Wood Duck Lithograph Appraisal

Framed Limited Edition Wood Duck Lithograph by David Maass

This item is a professionally framed and matted wildlife print depicting a male Wood Duck swimming in tranquil water, reflecting both the bird and a branch with golden autumn leaves. The primary subject is rendered with significant detail, capturing the vibrant iridescent green, white, and burgundy plumage of the duck. The print is hand-signed by the artist, David Maass, in the lower right corner and features a limited edition number (27/450) in the lower left, indicating its status as a collectible lithograph. The piece is housed in a substantial, ornate composite frame featuring a deep gold-finish inner bevel, a wide band of classical egg-and-dart molding, and a black outer border with beaded edge detailing. The overall construction suggests a late 20th-century origins, likely the 1980s or 1990s, given the artist's peak period of popularity. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, fading, or moisture damage to the paper. The frame shows minor surface dust but no significant chips or cracks in the gilding. High-quality craftsmanship is evident in the sharp registration of the colors and the elaborate decorative frame choice which complements the naturalist theme.