The Peddler (The Merchant)
Original print, intaglio etching on paper • Attributed to the circle of Kurt Seligmann or similar European Surrealist expatriates in New York
Style & Movement
Surrealism with influences of Mannerism and Fantastic Art
Medium & Technique
Etching and drypoint on heavy wove paper; features fine-line cross-hatching, stippling, and plate tone for atmospheric depth
Creation Period
Circa 1940-1945
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches (plate size); vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
An anthropomorphic, chimeric figure constructed from mechanical and heraldic objects, including gears, wheels, fluttering ribbons, and a house-like head structure. The figure striding across a desolate landscape evokes the 'Everyman' or 'Peddler' archetype, common in Surrealist iconography to represent the nomadic or fragmented state of humanity during wartime.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print shows clear plate marks and crisp lines, though minor undulation from the mounting process is visible under the glass
Estimated Market Value
$2,500 - $4,500
Auction Estimate
$1,800 - $3,000
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a private collection of mid-century graphic arts or a specialized print gallery in New York or Europe
Art Historical Significance
A significant example of the 'Automatic' drawing evolution into refined printmaking. It reflects the mid-20th-century obsession with psychoanalysis, the machine age, and the displacement of the individual in the wake of global conflict.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of calligraphic 'ribbon' forms and a 'heraldic machine' aesthetic; the visible plate mark and even ink distribution indicate an early state or well-maintained plate
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing consistent with age (toning); minor reflection in the glass suggests a possible lack of archival spacer, which could lead to moisture trapping
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free, 100% cotton rag mat board and UV-protective Museum Glass; monitor for potential foxing given the paper type