Industrial Interior by Illegibly Signed

This is an early etching of an industrial setting. As is typical of work from the time period (estimated late 19th early 20th century) the machines and structural elements dominate the scene. The few people present are dwarfed by the machinery and squeezed to the edges of the image--metaphorically being replaced by the machines. While it may be a bit early to be considered a WPA work, it would be consistent with the industrial and Ashcan school of the turn of the century. The composition is strong and is dominated by straight lines and angles with a perspective that is vanishing to the right of the image. Only a few curves are present--the pipe that defines the left border of the image, a couple of structures in the next room that are rendered in fainter lines and a half circle in the lower center. While the technique is a drypoint etching, the artist uses engraving techniques like cross-hatching to create the shadows and contrast. There are pencil notations in the lower margin that indicate this is a proof (whether a trial proof or final proof is unclear). There are numbers 136637-11 the purpose of which are unclear. There appears to be a signature, but it is illegible. There are pencil notations in the upper right margin as well. The etching is unframed and unmounted. It is in very good condition. The piece is well struck and has rich ink. The sheet is full. Sheet size is 8 3/8 x 10 3/4 inches. The plate size is 6 3/4 x 8 3/4 inches. The paper has mild toning, but there are no other condition issues including no staining, foxing, tears, or paper loss. A fine etching by an unknown artist.