Cardinal and Sumac
Limited edition print (offset lithograph) on paper • Robert Bateman (Canadian, b. 1930)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Wildlife Art
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography based on an original oil painting; techniques include detailed realism and camouflage-style composition.
Creation Period
Original painting 1978; this specific print edition likely late 1970s to early 1990s.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 30 inches (image size); Landscape format within a rectangular frame.
Subject Description
A male Northern Cardinal perched and partially hidden within the vibrant red and green foliage of sumac leaves. The composition emphasizes the relationship between the creature and its habitat through a dense, textured foliage pattern.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears flat and color saturation looks well-preserved behind glass.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $650 USD
Auction Estimate
$250 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Numbered '2164 / 3510' in the lower left and hand-signed by the artist in the lower right; typically sold through specialized wildlife art galleries.
Art Historical Significance
Robert Bateman is a preeminent figure in 20th-century wildlife art, credited with elevating the genre through fine-art aesthetics and environmental advocacy. This work is a classic example of his 'high-detail' period.
Notable Features
Includes the artist's authentic hand-signature in pencil and a specific limited edition sequence number (2164 of 3510), ensuring its status as a collectible edition rather than a poster.
Condition Issues
Potential minor acid burn from non-archival matting or slight fading if exposed to UV light (unverified without inspection out of frame).
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend framing with Museum or UV-protective glass and using acid-free, archival matting to prevent foxing or discoloration over time.