Little Bird
Original print, likely an etching or lithograph with hand-coloring • Sylvia Plimack Mangold (suggested) or a similar contemporary printmaker; signed 'Sylvia Plimack' in the lower right margin
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Botanical Illustration with Folk Art influences
Medium & Technique
Intaglio or planographic ink printing on paper, finished with watercolor hand-coloring and graphite signatures
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sheet size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A central botanical depiction of a thistle plant with spiky green leaves and several blue-purple blooms. At the top right, a small blue bird descends toward the plant. The composition is linear and centered against a neutral, possibly handmade paper background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible toning to the paper and slight acid burn from the original matting
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; indicators include pencil inscriptions for title and signature consistent with gallery retail distribution
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the mid-to-late 20th-century resurgence in botanical prints and hand-colored editions, blending traditional naturalism with modern minimalist composition.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Sylvia Plimack' in pencil; hand-titled 'Little Bird'; features distinctive fibrous texture in the paper suggesting a high-quality rag or handmade stock.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing/toning of the paper (foxing potential), slight wavy deformation of the sheet (cockling) due to humidity, and edge discoloration from a non-archival mat.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free, archival museum board; replace glass with UV-protective acrylic; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.