Emily Cumming Harris
Above is a scan of a landscape sketched in pencil, signed Emily Harris, dated April 1st, 1864. I was able to find some information confirming this as the work of New Zealand illustrator, Emily Cumming Harris (1836 – 1925). She achieved a moderate degree of success as a botanical illustrator. The sketch appears to be in its original framing of gilt hardwood on rough-sawn backing fastened with square nails. The signature detail has been contrast enhanced to increase readability. I am curious now to put a name to the scene depicted. Supposedly bridges in New Zealand were most often constructed of wood. Stone bridges like the one in the sketch are more common to Tasmania, where Harris lived and studied for some time
