Hospital at Tossa

Enslin Du Plessis 1894 - 1978

Summary

This landscape scene is particularly expressive and vibrant through the sketchy style of line-work used and the bright washes of colour that have also been applied quite freely. Just to the left of centre, in the middle ground, is a large building with a dome and cupola rising from it into the skyline. The building is washed with a rich orange-red tone whilst the dome is patterned with patches of yellow and blue. Either side of this central building the presence of other smaller buildings is suggested through the line-work and loose geometrical shapes, but these are left without colour and do not draw as much attention. In the foreground there is thick grass which seems to contrast with the few trees which appear underdeveloped and leafless. The sky which is washed with blue, contrasts tonally with the orange-red of the building and therefore acts as a backdrop to the grandeur of the building. This print is from a set of eight commissioned lithographs titled 'Eight Lithographs' published by the Millers Press in 1945. The Millers Press in Lewes, East Sussex, was set up in 1945 by two sisters, the artist Caroline Lucus and Frances Byng-Stamper, with the purpose of revitalising the art of lithography. 'Eight Lithographs' was their first portfolio and was published in an edition of 250. The lithograph 'Country Lane', also by du Plessis (1945.33) is also from the portfolio 'Eight Lithographs'. Each artist contributed two lithographs, one in colour and one in black and white. The other artists were Duncan Grant, Caroline Lucus and Vanessa Bell.