A Kiss for the Kaiser. 1919. Drypoint. Giardina 35. 9 3/16 x 8 1/2 (sheet 12 3/4 x 11). Edition 75. A richly-inked impression with tonal wiping, printed on cream laid paper. Signed and annotated 'imp' in pencil, indicating a proof printed by the artist.
In 1917, when the United States entered World War I, Eby joined the U.S. Army. He tried to obtain a commission as an artist, but was assigned first to ambulance duty and later as a sergeant in the 40th Engineers in France. During the war he documented in drawing what he saw and experienced and on his return to New York City, he translated his studies into prints. Drawings of his World War I experiences launched his career. He spent most of WWI on the front line camouflaging the big guns. During his spare time, he would sketch everything from the big guns to the dead soldiers in the field. He sent these drawings home each week. Upon his return from the war, these drawings became his inspiration for his first successful group of etchings. He continued creating a series of war-related prints throughout the 1920s and '30s. Many galleries exhibited his work, but Frederick Keppel, the great print dealer and a relative of Eby was the exclusive gallery for many of his new prints.
An extensive selection of works by Kerr Eby is available on the Allinson Gallery, Inc. website
