Noah's Ark
Limited edition print (offset lithograph or high-quality illustration reproduction) on textured paper • Betty Sills
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folksy Illustration / Americana / Whimsical Country Art
Medium & Technique
Originally created in watercolor and fine-line ink (pen and wash); this is a printed reproduction of that medium following the 'country' or 'nursery' illustration style.
Creation Period
1990 (dated as '984/1990' next to the signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches (image area), landscape orientation, presented in a matted wooden frame.
Subject Description
A whimsical, stylized depiction of the biblical narrative of Noah's Ark. It features a cheerful Noah and his wife in front of a white-washed wooden ark. Various animals including elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, and hippos are boarding or peering from the vessel amid gentle raindrops and palm trees. The aesthetic is intended for nursery or children's decor.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears well-preserved within its framing with no visible foxing or significant fading.
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75 USD (Retail/Decorative value)
Auction Estimate
$10 - $40 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery, gift shop, or boutique specializing in 'Country' style home decor in the early 1990s. The numbering '984/1990' suggests a large limited edition run.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the late 20th-century 'Country' art trend in American home decor. While not high-art, it reflects a specific period of mass-marketed illustrative art characterized by soft palettes and heartwarming themes popular in the 1980s and 90s.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature in the bottom right corner and a specific edition number (984) and year (1990) on the bottom left. The textured paper mimics the appearance of a watercolor original.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation under the glass; potential slight yellowing of the mat board (not acid-free). No major archival issues visible on the print itself.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the ink/pigments. If the matting is not acid-free, a future updates to archival materials would prevent 'mat burn' on the paper edges.
Collector Notes
Berry Sills