Woodland Traffic Appraisal

Woodland Traffic

This item is an original etching or engraving titled "Woodland Traffic" by artist R. H. Palenske. The print depicts a striking nature scene featuring a large moose wading through a body of water, likely a marsh or shallow lake, creating ripples and splashes. Below the moose, two ducks are depicted in mid-flight, seemingly having been disturbed by the moose's movement or perhaps flying into the same scene. The artwork is rendered in black and white, utilizing fine lines and cross-hatching to create depth, texture, and shading. The artist's signature, 'R. H. Palenske', is visible in the lower right corner, indicating authorship. The title, 'Woodland Traffic', is hand-written in script in the lower left corner. The paper appears to be an off-white or cream color, with a slight texture, typical of fine art prints. The visible edges of the print show a clean, crisp impression, suggesting it has been well-maintained, potentially matted or stored properly. There are no immediate visible tears, creases, or significant discoloration within the image area. The impression is strong, indicating good ink saturation and pressure during the printing process. The style is illustrative and realistic, characteristic of wildlife art popular in the early to mid-20th century. R. H. Palenske (1884-1954) was known for his etchings of animals, particularly dogs and other wildlife, making this a representative work of his oeuvre. The craftsmanship is evident in the detailed rendering of animal fur, water movement, and background foliage, demonstrating a high level of skill in the etching medium.