Henry Stacy Marks studied in London and Paris then became known for painting Shakesperean and medieval themes, as well as for designing decorative friezes and stained glass. Between 1874 and 1880 he produced paintings for an addition to Easton Hall, Chesire, home to Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster. Birds became an increasingly significant part of Mark's work around this date, an interest reflected here at upper right in an image of painting "St. Francis Preaches to the Birds" (1870, Private Collection). 
Damman's etching reproduces a portrait of the artist (Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool) by Ouless that was shown at the Royal Academy, London in 1875 and also at Liverpool's Autumn Exhibition the same year. The related print was published in 1880 in "The Portfolio" and exhibited at the Dudley Gallery, London and the Paris Salon.