Cathedral Art Appraisal

Original Architectural Etching of a Gothic Cathedral under Construction

This item is a monochrome intaglio print, specifically an etching or drypoint, depicting the lateral view of a Gothic-style cathedral featuring heavy scaffolding and a crane, suggesting an architectural study of construction or restoration. The print is executed on a rectangular sheet of off-white, textured wove paper. Key physical characteristics include the fine, linear hatched lines used to define the flying buttresses, spires, and skeletal scaffolding structure. The composition utilizes deep blacks and mid-tone grays to create a sense of depth and volume. Notable condition issues are present, including significant undulation or buckling of the paper, particularly visible on the left side, and slight discoloration/toning along the margins consistent with age. There is faint handwritten notation in pencil along the bottom edge, including references like '3 1/2 all around' and 'Sat call - 7900', which appear to be framer's notes or cataloging instructions rather than an artist's signature. The style and subject matter are characteristic of the early-to-mid 20th-century architectural revivalist movement. The high level of detail in the stonework and the complex rendering of the scaffolding demonstrate a skilled hand and sophisticated understanding of perspective and structural engineering. No clear maker's mark or signature is visible in the provided image within the plate mark.