Herring Sr., John Frederick. "The Village Blacksmith”

John Frederick Herring Sr. (1795-1865).  “The Village Blacksmith.”  New York & Sandusky, OH: Cosmopolitan Art Association, 1858-59.  30 x 24 (image).  Engraving.  Light smudging in bottom margin with a light vertical slat stain in top margin.  Else, very good condition.  This fine print was one of a trio of Herring prints.  The two others are: “The English Homestead” and “The English Farm Yard.”  John Frederick Herring (Senior) was an exacting but prolific painter of animals with special emphasis on horses.  His most prestigious commissions were from Queen Victoria, the Duke of Orlean, and George IV.  He is known as one of the top realistic painters of the English School and generates high praise from all who view his works.  He exhibited at the Royal Academy constantly from 1818 to 1865.  A copy of  “The Village Black Smith” hung over the bed where Lincoln died and it appeared in the many prints showing this scene issued not long after.  The Cosmopolitan Art Association was a nat