The Dunes Artwork Appraisal

Framed Woodcut Print: "The Dunes"

This item is a framed woodcut print titled "The Dunes," depicting a panoramic landscape scene primarily composed of rolling hills or dunes covered in dense, textural foliage, likely trees or tall grasses. The print is characterized by its stark black and white contrast and the intricate linework typical of woodcut or linocut techniques. The composition features a foreground of lower-lying, abstract vegetation, transitioning into more detailed, upward-sloping hillsides heavily rendered with short, parallel, and intersecting lines to create depth and texture, suggesting a windswept or dense environment. The sky above is also textured with horizontal lines, implying clouds or atmospheric conditions. The visible portion of the print shows an edition number, '5/10', indicating it is the fifth print from a limited run of ten, and a signature that appears to be 'J. Riley' or similar, although difficult to decipher definitively from the provided image. The print is housed in a simple, thin black frame with a gold inner edge, under glass, and mounted within a white mat board which provides a clean border around the artwork. The print itself appears to be in good condition, with no immediate signs of tears, significant discoloration, or foxing visible through the glass. The stark contrasts inherent to the printmaking style are well-preserved. This piece likely dates from the mid to late 20th century, given its aesthetic and the printmaking technique's popularity during that period. The craftsmanship is evident in the detailed carving and consistent print quality of the edition.