Handwritten Annotations Appraisal

Botanical Etching Print with Handwritten Annotations

This item is an original intaglio print, specifically an etching, depicting a botanical study of what appears to be cotton bolls or a similar fruiting plant. The print is executed on a heavy, ivory-toned wove paper with torn deckled edges. The central image is square and shows a strong plate mark, indicative of the etching process where the copper plate is pressed into the paper. The artistry demonstrates high-quality craftsmanship, featuring dense cross-hatching and fine line work that creates deep tonal values and texture on the leaves and seed pods. Notably, the paper shows significant condition issues, including a sharp vertical fold on the right side and horizontal creasing across the bottom. The bottom margin contains extensive handwritten archival or cataloging notes in ink, including codes like '33-T-S-4" B' and a clear instruction 'Do not mount'. There is visible foxing (brown spotting) on both the margin and within the image area, particularly on the lower left leaves. The style suggests a mid-20th-century scientific or artistic botanical study. While a specific artist's signature is not clearly legible in this view, a small mark or monogram appears in the lower right of the plate, suggesting professional provenance.