Stephen James Ferris was born 1835 in Plattsburg New York and became a very influential painter and etcher in Philadelphia. He studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Art and in Paris under the study of Leon Gerome. He became very well known in both America and Europe for his portraits and won the prestigious Fortuny Price in Rome 1876. Later back in the states Stephen served as the art director for twenty six years at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. Stephen was also a collector of fine prints and his collection of over 2000 pieces are now in the Smithsonian Institution under "The Ferris Collection".

"The Old Clothes Dealer" is a wonderful original etching in great condition! The man in the center has a myriad of different clothes while holding a large rifle. As a group of men huddle behind the dealer it seems as though they are saying something not to be overheard by him. This was originally bound in a book and has three spots where staples had held it into the binding. The book was American Art Collections written by William Montgomery in 1889 and included is its cover page. This etching is in excellent condition besides the slight water stains on the left edge margin, comes unframed and may have slight imperfections around the border on the margins due to not being framed.  

Like always please feel free to contact us directly at inquire@henningfineart.com below if you have any questions.