'And Mother Goose Makes Nine' Limited Edition Etching

This item is a framed, multi-color limited edition etching titled 'And Mother Goose Makes Nine'. The artwork depicts a whimsical carousel horse in a prancing pose, intricately detailed with a dappled grey finish and flowery mane. Atop the horse sits a large Mother Goose and her goslings, with several ducks also perched on the horse's flank. The composition is set within a thin red square border and features a flourishing green ribbon that winds through the scene. The etching is hand-colored with shades of green, gold, and red. The piece is numbered '20/250' in the bottom left, titled in center, and signed by the artist in the bottom right corner (likely Judith Hall, known for this style and subject matter). The print is professionally matted with multiple layers, including a dark forest green outer mat and a thin grey accent mat, and is housed in a wooden frame. The etching shows an embossed plate mark around the image. Condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, fading, or paper ripples, though the frame shows some minor dust accumulation. This style suggests a late 20th-century origins, approximately the 1980s or 1990s.

Based on my visual examination of the provided documentation, I have assessed the limited edition etching 'And Mother Goose Makes Nine' by Judith Hall. The work is a finely detailed, hand-colored etching characteristic of Hall's whimsical, decorative style that gained prominence in the 1980s. The edition number 20/250 indicates a relatively large run, which provides moderate rarity but remains accessible for collectors of storybook-themed art. Structurally, the piece is well-preserved; the embossed plate mark is crisp, and the hand-coloring remains vibrant with no evident UV-induced fading or foxing. The professional multi-layered matting adds decorative value, though it may require inspection to ensure acid-free materials were used to prevent long-term paper 'burn.' Market demand for Judith Hall’s work is currently stable within the secondary decorative market, typically appearing in regional auctions and specialized galleries. Comparables for framed etchings of this size and subject matter consistently fall within the $150 to $300 range. Value is buoyed by the popular Mother Goose theme but limited by the high volume of similar works produced during this era. Important Note: This appraisal is based on digital representation. Full authentication would require an in-person inspection to verify the paper's watermark and texture, as well as a physical check for humidity-related damage under the matting. Verification of provenance or a gallery receipt would further solidify the attribution. For insurance purposes, I recommend verifying that the frame uses conservation-grade glass.