Thomas Handforth, born Tacoma, WA - Untitled - n.d. - T-Shirt

A vertical etching of a shepherdess leading her flock, rendered in dark brown ink on warm sepia paper.

Visual Elements & Composition

The plate has a rectangular format with a rounded margin, and the composition runs vertically. Fine drypoint lines build the forms, so the shepherdess with her crook sits near the centre and dominates the frame. A flock of sheep spreads around her, with a lamb carried over her shoulder and a lone sheep at upper left. A second herder with a staff stands behind, giving the scene depth. The palette is restrained: dark brown ink, pale cream highlights, and a sepia paper ground that covers most of the surface. The only lettering is the signature "Thomas Handforth" and the edition number 31/50.

Meaning & Symbolism

Handforth, an American printmaker born in Tacoma, Washington, spent long periods living and working abroad, and he recorded the daily life of the places he visited. This untitled work follows that approach. Rather than a monumental event, it shows a pastoral moment: a herder moving her animals, the lamb carried close, the rhythm of ordinary work. Handforth's prints often aimed to preserve traditional ways of life through careful draftsmanship, and this etching carries that same observational calm. Its date is not recorded, but its 1930s character and his etching practice place it within his mature output.

On the Unisex Heavy Cotton Tee

A drypoint etching has fine, closely spaced lines that reward a close look, and the design sits on the chest where it can be seen at conversation distance. The sepia tones and simple layout suit a plain tee, letting the shepherdess and her flock read clearly as one scene. Wearing it puts a quiet, observed pastoral moment in everyday view.