Dodge in the Driveway (or similar suburban landscape)
Print, likely an etching or lithograph on paper • Jane Valshm (as per signature in bottom right corner)
Style & Movement
Photorealism / New Realism. The style focuses on the mundane aspects of American suburban life with high precision.
Medium & Technique
Intaglio process (likely etching or aquatint) or high-quality lithography; characterized by fine line work, stippling, and tonal gradations to achieve a photorealistic effect.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1970s–1980s based on the style and subject matter (late 1960s vehicle).
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 18 x 24 inches (including frame); Landscape format.
Subject Description
A crisp, black-and-white depiction of a 1964 Dodge Dart or similar mid-century sedan parked on a suburban street in front of contemporary houses and a palm tree. The composition emphasizes geometric shapes, shadows, and the quiet stillness of middle-class domesticity.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame, though the matting shows some age.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $700 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 1/25 in the lower left, indicating it is the first print of a limited edition run. Likely acquired from a local gallery or direct from the artist in the Western United States.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century movement to elevate everyday American suburban iconography to fine art. While the artist is likely regional, the work captures the 'New Topographics' aesthetic that influenced both photography and printmaking.
Notable Features
Hand-signed signature 'Jane Valshm' and low edition number (1/25), which increases desirability for collectors of that specific artist.
Condition Issues
Possible minor yellowing of the paper or mat (acid burn) typical of older framing materials; slight reflection/glare under glass suggests non-UV protective glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-mat using acid-free, archival materials and replace glass with UV-protective acrylic to prevent fading of the fine ink lines.