Untitled (Vertical Composition with Figure and Spire)
Print on paper, etching or drypoint • Unidentified artist, possibly European or American printmaker working in a modernist or expressionist idiom
Style & Movement
Modernist / Expressionist printmaking
Medium & Technique
Intaglio printmaking, specifically etching and/or drypoint on laid or wove paper, utilizing plate marks, selective wiping, and fine linear hatching
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century
Dimensions & Format
Vertical rectangular plate mark measuring approximately 25 x 18 cm on a larger sheet of paper
Subject Description
An abstract or semi-surreal vertical composition featuring a dominant, tall spire-like or architectural structure extending vertically through the center, balanced by a small, clustered figural form at the lower left. The atmospheric background shows subtle tonal gradations and plate surface effects.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper exhibits natural age-toning, minor foxing spots, and handling creases at the margins, but the printed image remains strong and clear.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Unknown private collection, acquired through the art market or a studio estate sale
Art Historical Significance
Representative of mid-century intaglio experimentation, highlighting the expressive potential of plate tone and linear mark-making in abstract narrative imagery
Notable Features
Distinct plate mark impression, subtle pencil annotations or signature along the extreme left margin, and effective use of plate tone to create an atmospheric haze
Condition Issues
Minor foxing spots visible on the paper support, edge creasing, and overall age-related yellowing of the acidic paper sheet
Conservation Recommendations
Store in acid-free archival matting away from direct sunlight; surface cleaning by a professional paper conservator if necessary