John Edward Costigan Appraisal

John Edward Costigan Etching, 'Going Home'

This is an original black and white etching and drypoint on paper by American artist John Edward Costigan (1888–1972). The artwork depicts a rural scene featuring a family in transit, with a woman holding a child in the foreground and figures guiding a horse-drawn plowing or work team in the background. The composition is characterized by heavy, expressive linework and dramatic tonal contrasts, typical of Costigan's social-realist style which often centered on the dignity of labor and family life. The print displays visible plate marks and appears to be hand-signed by the artist in the lower right margin, with a possible title or edition notation in the lower left. The piece is housed under glass within a matted frame. Regarding condition, there is notable reflection on the glass surface making a full assessment difficult; however, the paper appears slightly toned, which is consistent with its mid-20th-century age (circa 1930s-1950s). The fine hatchings demonstrate a high level of craftsmanship and masterly control of the etching needle. The overall aesthetic is evocative of the American Scene painting movement and the Depression era.