Mabel Oliver Rae (1868-1956)
Kings College, Cambridge (view from the Meadow)
c.1920
Etching
12 x 9 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 King’s chapel from the backs. The River Cam is also visible in the foreground, with what seems to be a punter making their way across the river.
