Birger Sandzen Appraisal

Lake in the Rockies by Birger Sandzen (Print)

This item is a black and white print, likely a woodcut or linocut, titled 'Lake in the Rockies' by Birger Sandzen. The artwork depicts a rugged mountainous landscape with a prominent body of water, likely a lake or waterfall, cascading through a rocky gorge. A distinctive, gnarled tree with extensive foliage extends over the water from the right side, framing the vista. The print exhibits a strong contrast between the dark, textured lines used for the rocks and trees and the lighter areas representing the sky and water, employing a technique common in block printing to create depth and shadow through varying densities of line work and stippling. Clouds are visible in the background sky, rendered with a less dense array of marks. The print is on a relatively thick, off-white paper with visible deckle edges on at least two sides (top and right), indicating it was likely produced on handmade or high-quality art paper. The paper appears slightly discolored or aged, showing a uniform light beige tone. There are no immediate signs of significant damage such as tears, folds, or prominent stains in the visible areas, suggesting it is in good overall condition for its age. The artist's signature, 'Birger Sandzen', is faintly visible in pencil below the image on the right side, confirming authorship. The title, 'Lake in the Rockies', also appears to be written in pencil on the left side margin, consistent with an artist's proof or a limited edition print where such details are often hand-noted. The style is characteristic of early 20th-century landscape prints, particularly those influenced by regional American artists focusing on natural environments. The robust lines and expressive rendering of natural forms suggest an early modernist or Arts and Crafts influence. The print's craftsmanship is evident in the detailed linework and the consistent impression, reflecting a skilled printmaker. It is a striking example of Sandzen's characteristic style and an important piece for collectors of his work or American landscape prints.