Artist Ruth Marder Appraisal

Ruth Marder “Topography” Mixed Media Painting

The item is a mixed media painting by Ruth Marder from 1977, titled "Topography." The artwork is a rectangular canvas, measuring approximately 24 inches in width by 30 inches in height, and is presented in a thin, simple wooden frame with a light brown finish. The dominant feature of the painting is the use of mixed media to create significant texture, with raised elements that project 1 to 1.5 inches from the canvas surface. These raised areas form a sculptural, topographical landscape rendered in a palette of earthy tones including various shades of brown, dark brown, and black, interspersed with vibrant yellow and orange highlights. The lower, less textured areas of the composition feature patches of bright green and yellow, providing contrast to the darker, raised forms. The overall impression is abstract, with the raised forms suggesting geological features or organic growth. The artist's signature, "Ruth Marder," is visible in the lower right corner of the painting in dark paint. The condition appears generally good, with no obvious major damage visible in the provided images. The style aligns with abstract expressionism or mixed media art popular in the late 20th century.