The Card Players

Pro Hart Reproduction

The Card Players - Etching

An etching begins with a metal plate (usually copper) that has been coated with a waxy substance called a “ground”.  Pro Hart would then create his composition by drawing through the ground to expose the metal.  The plate is then immersed int he acid bath, which “bites” or chemically dissolves the exposed lines.  For printing, the ground is removed, ink is introduced int he the incised lines, and the plate is wiped clean.  The plate is covered with a dampened paper and run through a press under great pressure in order to force the paper into the lines, resulting in the raised characteristic of etching. This is a limited edition 6/100 and if personally signed by Pro Hart.

Pro Hart, born Kevin Charles Hart in 1928 in Broken Hill, NSW, was a self-taught Australian artist renowned for his vivid and imaginative depictions of outback and rural life. Often referred to as the "father of the Australian Outback painting movement," he developed a distinctive style using bold techniques and inventive methods. His work, rich in character and storytelling, struck a deep chord with everyday Australians and earned him widespread acclaim. In recognition of his contribution to the arts, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1976. Pro continued to live and work in Broken Hill until his passing in 2006.

Authenticated and Valued at

$1,700