Mabel Oliver Rae (1868-1956)
Clare Bridge, Cambridge

c.1920
Etching
13 x 17 cm
Signed in pencil below.

Mabel Oliver Rae was born in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, and trained at the Slade School of Fine Art between 1888 and 1890. Rae is known for her skilled etchings of various rural scenes and townscapes, particularly those of the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge. She signed works with the pseudonym ‘M.Oliver Rae’, a ruse to conceal the fact she was a female artist, so as not to reduce her chances with commercial dealers and agents.

This particular etching depicts a lovely view of Clare Bridge, Cambridge. Rae expertly captures the reflections of the bridge’s arcs and the shadows of the trees on the water surface. In the foreground of the etching, a punter enjoys the tranquil scene and the work is consequently imbued by the atmosphere of a warm summer’s day.

Condition: generally very good, slight age toning to paper.

If you would like to know more, please email info@manningfineart.co.uk or call us on 07929 749056.

For other views of Clare College, Cambridge, please click here.