Feeding Time Before School
Limited Edition Print on archival paper • Diane Graebner
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folk Art / Americana (Amish Genre Art)
Medium & Technique
Offset lithograph from an original painting; features flat color planes and minimalist line work characteristic of folk illustration
Creation Period
1988
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10 x 20 inches (visual area); landscape orientation in a rectangular double-matted frame
Subject Description
A pastoral scene depicting Amish children interact with geese in front of school structures and buggies. The composition uses a minimalist aesthetic with faceless figures, emphasizing communal identity and a simple way of life. Iconography includes traditional bonnets, flat-brimmed hats, and horse-drawn carriages.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within its frame with no immediate signs of moisture damage or significant fading visually apparent.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $125 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $75 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 244/750. Typical of mid-to-late 20th-century primary market purchase from a regional gallery or craft festival specializing in Americana.
Art Historical Significance
Diane Graebner is a well-known figure in the Amish genre of folk art. Her work is significant for capturing the 'Plain People' of Ohio and Pennsylvania. This piece is representative of the late-1980s boom in country-style home decor and the popularity of faceless Amish motifs which symbolize humility.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil; includes the specific edition number 244/750 and the title written in the lower-left margin. Features the artist's copyright stamp.
Condition Issues
Possible minor acidity from original matting materials if not acid-free; potential light yellowing of the paper margin consistent with age; minor scuffing on the wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the print is mounted with acid-free materials; avoid hanging in direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the pigments; maintain a stable humidity environment.
Collector Notes
Diane Graebner 1988 Feeding Time. 244 / 750