Marine Mammal Art Appraisal

Killer Whale Print by Danny Dennis

This item is a framed print, likely a serigraph or lithograph, featuring a stylized depiction of a killer whale in the traditional Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous art style. The artwork itself is characterized by bold, flowing lines, formline designs, and ovoid shapes. The colors predominantly visible are black, a deep reddish-orange or terracotta, and a muted teal or turquoise, set against an off-white background. The composition suggests the dynamic movement of the killer whale, with its distinctive dorsal fin and body elements incorporated into the design. The print is housed within a simple, rectangular wooden frame, appearing to be stained a dark reddish-brown hue, possibly walnut or a similar dark wood. The frame has a flat profile and a visible wood grain, indicating a natural material construction. There is a visible matting board, likely in a cream or off-white color, separating the artwork from the frame, suggesting a professional framing job to protect the print. The signature 'Danny Dennis' is visible in the lower right corner, indicating the artist, along with the title 'Killer Whale' in the lower left. The print shows no obvious signs of significant damage such as tears, creases, or major discoloration. The frame appears to be in good condition with no major chips or scratches visible. The overall aesthetic suggests it is a piece from the late 20th or early 21st century, consistent with contemporary Indigenous art practices from the Pacific Northwest, known for its distinctive formline and ovoid artistic conventions. The craftsmanship appears to be of good quality, both in terms of the print's clarity and the framing's presentation. It appears ready for display.