The Writing Chair
Print - Collotype or Lithographic reproduction • Andrew Wyeth (1917–2009)
Style & Movement
American Realism
Medium & Technique
Originally tempera on panel; this image appears to be a high-quality print or reproduction on paper. The technique mimics Wyeth's drybrush and stippling methods.
Creation Period
Original painted in 1968; this reproduction is likely mid-to-late 20th century.
Dimensions & Format
Portrait orientation. Estimated original: 30 x 22 inches. This print dimension varies based on the edition.
Subject Description
An interior scene featuring a Windsor-style writing arm chair with a jacket draped over the arm. The composition focuses on the play of light and shadow across a sparse, monochromatic room with a window looking out onto a dark landscape.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The image shows some surface wear and minor spotting (foxing or stains) in the lower-left floor area and right margin.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $300 (depending on whether it is a signed limited edition or a simple poster/plate)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200
Provenance History
Unknown; appears to be a commercially produced print for the fine art market or a plate from a high-end monograph.
Art Historical Significance
Andrew Wyeth is a pillar of 20th-century American art. This piece is representative of his 'Brandywine' style, emphasizing rural isolation, memory, and the 'ghostly' presence of human life through inanimate objects.
Notable Features
Features a signature in the lower-left corner (facsimile); classic Wyeth chiaroscuro; the focus on a single piece of Americana (the chair) serves as a psychological portrait without a sitter.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing/staining in the lower quadrant; slight yellowing of the paper support in the margins; possible light-fading of the blue-grey tones.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting, UV-protective glass, and mounting in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.