Orlando Condeso Appraisal

'Dion y Demeter' - Intaglio Collograph Print by Orlando Condeso

This is a sophisticated mixed-media print, typically identified as an intaglio collograph, created by the Peruvian-American artist Orlando Condeso. The piece, titled 'Dion y Demeter' (Dionysus and Demeter), is executed on a heavy-weight, textured cream-colored handmade paper with deckled edges. The central image features a highly stylized, mythological composition rendered in earth tones of gold, ochre, sienna, and deep sepia. The figures are depicted with graphic, folk-art-inspired features, including crown-like sunburst headdresses and bodies adorned with intricate geometric and organic patterns. Notable symbolic motifs include fish, celestial symbols, and repetitive texture work that suggests a bas-relief quality. The print shows evidence of high-level craftsmanship, particularly in the build-up of the collograph plate which creates significant physical depth and varying ink densities. The artist's signature is visible in the lower right margin, while the title is centered, and an edition or artist proof notation such as 'P/A' or '1/20' appears on the left. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, tears, or significant fading, though the paper has natural texture and edge irregularities inherent to its handmade production. The style is mid-to-late 20th century, likely dating between the 1970s and 1980s.