Studied Print Appraisal

Zebra Head Linocut / Woodcut Print (Artist's Proof) by Bridget Driver

This item is a framed linocut or woodcut print depicting a stylized close-up of a zebra's head. The print features a high-contrast design, utilizing a dark reddish-brown, possibly sepia or umber, ink against a white or off-white paper background. The zebra's stripes are rendered as bold, organic shapes where the white of the paper forms the positive space of the stripes themselves, and the inked areas represent the darker parts of the animal's coat. Notable features include the intricate pattern of the stripes, which expertly curve and converge to define the contours of the zebra's face, including a distinctive eye in the upper right quadrant of the image. The texture of the print shows some slight mottling or 'chatter' in the inked areas, typical of block printing, indicating the manual application of pressure during the printing process. This adds to the handmade aesthetic of the piece. The print is matted with a clean, wide white mat board and framed, although the frame itself is largely obscured by reflections. Visible markings include 'A/P' in the lower left corner of the print area, indicating an Artist's Proof, suggesting this is one of a small number of prints pulled for the artist's own use or approval, rather than part of a numbered edition. The artist's name, 'BRIDGET DRIVER,' is subtly visible in the lower right corner, likely penciled below the image field. The overall style is modern or contemporary, likely from the late 20th or early 21st century, given the clean lines and graphic quality. The condition appears very good, with no obvious major damage, tears, or significant discoloration, though the reflective surface of the glass makes a complete assessment challenging. The craftsmanship is evident in the striking composition and effective use of negative space to create a dynamic animal portrait.