Courage
Photograph, likely a digital print or giclée on paper • Merri I. Platz
Style & Movement
Contemporary Nature Photography / Wildlife Realism
Medium & Technique
Digital photography with a shallow depth-of-field technique, likely printed using archival pigments on matte paper.
Creation Period
2010 (as indicated by the copyright date next to the signature)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; approximately 11x14 inches for the print, housed in a larger wooden frame measuring roughly 16x20 inches.
Subject Description
The image features a rear view of a fledgling bird, likely a Blue Jay or similar species, perched on a textured bark surface. The composition captures the bird's downy feathers and vibrant blue tail plumage. A soft-focus green plant stem is visible in the background against a neutral, high-key backdrop, symbolizing growth, vulnerability, and the 'courage' referenced in the title.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears stable within the frame, though the exterior glass and frame show minor dust and adhesive residue from a thrift store price tag.
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $50.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $30.00 USD
Provenance History
Acquired from a secondary retail environment ('CommunityAid' thrift store); previously in a private residence as decorative wall art.
Art Historical Significance
This is a contemporary decorative nature photograph. While it demonstrates technical proficiency in wildlife photography, its significance is primarily as an accessible, sentimental piece of interior decor rather than an influential work within the broader art historical canon.
Notable Features
Hand-signed and titled by the artist in the lower margin ('Courage' on the left, '© Merri I. Platz 2010' on the right). Features a rustic, multi-toned blue and brown wooden frame.
Condition Issues
Visible secondary market price tag adhered directly to the glass (Top Right); possible minor fading if previously exposed to UV light; wooden frame shows typical minor wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove the adhesive price tag carefully using a glass-safe cleaner. Transition to UV-protective glazing and acid-free matting if long-term preservation of the print's color is desired.