Bouquet #2
Original print, likely a woodcut or linocut on paper • Signed 'Paul West' (lower right); American printmaker.
Style & Movement
Modern Social Realism / Figurative Expressionism, characterized by bold graphic contrasts and detailed naturalistic observation.
Medium & Technique
Relief printing using black ink on paper. Employs intricate hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to create tonal variations and texture.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1970-1990 based on style and paper aging.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 10 inches; tall vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A vertical composition depicting a young, barefoot girl standing amidst and holding a large bouquet of wildflowers, including a prominent sunflower, lilies, and dandelions. The figure is draped in textured clothing with a heavy shadow cast across half her face, suggesting a somber or introspective narrative.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print displays visible creasing and undulation, particularly in the top and side margins, likely from rolling or improper storage.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Hand-signed and titled by the artist in pencil. Likely acquired through a gallery or estate sale; no specific gallery labels are visible in the photograph.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-to-late 20th-century relief printing. It showcases the technical proficiency of the artist in managing complex textures (petals, fabric, skin) through a monochromatic medium.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of high-contrast 'chiaroscuro' lighting in a relief print format; the signature and title 'Bouquet #2' in the lower margin confirm it as part of a thematic series.
Condition Issues
Soft creasing throughout the paper support; potential light foxing or discoloration near the edges due to contact with non-archival materials.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional flattening by a paper conservator. The work should be mounted using acid-free, reversible hinges and framed under UV-protective glass with a mat to prevent the paper from touching the glazing.