California Botanical Print Appraisal

Vintage Houghton Mifflin Company Botanical Rose Print, 1938

The item is a vintage print, likely an original illustration or a page from a book or publication, featuring a vibrant red rose with its stem and dark green leaves. The rose is depicted in a realistic style, showing intricate petal details and naturalistic shading, giving it a three-dimensional appearance. The background is a plain, light cream or off-white color, providing a strong contrast that makes the rose stand out. Text printed vertically on the left side of the image reads '1938' and 'HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY' followed by 'BOSTON AND NEW YORK'. This textual information strongly suggests the print is from a publication by the Houghton Mifflin Company, dated 1938. The print appears to be on a paper-based medium, possibly an uncoated or matte stock, given the lack of glare. The colors, particularly the red of the rose and the green of the leaves, are rich and well-saturated, indicating good color preservation for its age. There are no obvious signs of significant damage such as tears, significant creases, or heavy foxing. Some very minor smudging or discoloration might be present along the edges, consistent with age and handling. The resolution of the image suggests a quality printing process for its time. The printing style is reminiscent of early 20th-century botanical illustrations or book plate designs. The overall aesthetic is clean and classic, emphasizing the natural beauty of the rose. It measures approximately 7.5 x 10 inches based on typical book page sizes, though exact dimensions cannot be determined from the image alone. The print is presented unframed in the image, but the user context notes 'Print in frame', implying it is currently or intended to be housed within a frame.