Etching1928226x128mm[318x200]

Ref: Cortissoz 299

Helen Wills's own impression. Printed by the artist, signed with his cipher in pencil and inscribed, To Helen Wills from Childe Hassam / 2nd state of plate. A fine impression on wove watermarked Van Gelder with full margins and with the artist's characteristic tack-holes around the edges on all sides. Generally in excellent condition.

Hassam made several studies of Helen Wills but like so many of his etchings, they must have been printed in very small numbers as they are rarely seen today. They appear to have been fairly close friends and Wills was also an amateur artist and printmaker so it is possible to speculate that their meetings at Easthampton in 1928 included lessons in the art of etching.

Helen Wills (1905-98) was one of the greatest American tennis players in the history of the game. Little Miss Poker Face, as she became known because of her sheer determination and serious expression, won thirty-one Grand Slam titles between 1923 and 1938 and an Olympic gold medal in France in 1924. She won the Wimbledon singles title eight times, a record which stood for fifty-two years.

Provenance: From the collection of Helen Wills

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