Milne, David B. (Canadian, 1882-1953). HILLTOP or PAINTING PLACE. Drypoint in two colors, 1931. Published in, and extracted from, the Colophon, Part V, March, 1931. Edition of about 3000, printed by the artist on wove paper and signed in pencil. Two plates were used for the colors. Because of the size of the edition, Milne had to rework the plates, so that there are ten states, each approximating 300 prints. 4 3/4 x 6 3/4 inches (plate), 10 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches (). The left margin is narrower (1/2 inch) than right (1 inch), and a bit rough, as a result of the removal from the periodical, else in excellent condition. Despite the large size of the edition, the print is not at all common in the market. Milne was born in Canada. In 1903 he moved to New York and studied at the Art Student's League for three years. Five of his paintings were exhibited at the famed Armory Show, and his work was included in the Panama Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915. Although his work was represented in NY by the Montross Gallery, where the work of the Ashcan School was also shown, he left New York and moved back to Canada. Although he had difficulty establishing himself as an artist in Canada, he ultimately found success with a sale of six paintings to National Gallery of Canada. In later years his work was purchased by Vincent Massey, the Governor General of Canada, and his wife Alice, who were collectors.
