Summer Morning - Common Loon by Robert Bateman (Publisher’s Proof)

This item is a limited edition, high-quality lithograph titled 'Summer Morning' by the renowned Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman. This specific piece is a rare Publisher’s Proof, numbered 7 out of an extremely small run of only 20. The artwork depicts a serene, atmospheric scene of a lone common loon gliding across a mirror-like lake at dawn. The palette is dominated by muted, earthy tones—deep greens, soft greys, and hazy browns—capturing the misty, ethereal light of early morning. The composition is expertly balanced, featuring a dark, forested shoreline that is perfectly reflected in the calm water below. The print appears to be housed in a simple, metallic-toned frame with a white matte. Notable markings include the artist's hand-signed signature in the lower right margin and the designation 'Publisher’s Proof 7/20' in the lower left. The craftsmanship of Bateman’s work is evident in the photorealistic detail of the water's ripples and the textural quality of the distant trees. While the image shows some glare from the protective glass, the underlying print appears well-preserved with no visible fading, foxing, or moisture damage. As a Publisher’s Proof, this item carries significant rarity and collectability compared to standard limited edition runs, typically dating from the late 20th century wildlife art movement.

I have virtually examined this lithograph by Robert Bateman, titled 'Summer Morning - Common Loon.' As a Publisher’s Proof (PP 7/20), this piece is significantly rarer than the standard limited edition, which typically consisted of much larger runs. Bateman is a preeminent figure in the 20th-century wildlife art movement, and his depictions of loons remain particularly iconic among collectors due to their serene, atmospheric quality. The photorealistic execution of the mists and the reflective water surface in this piece is exemplary of his peak period. Visually, the print appears to be in excellent condition; there is no evidence of UV-related fading or acid burn from the matting, and the hand-signed signature in the lower right margin appears consistent with known examples of Bateman’s hand. However, the current frame and white matting should be inspected for archival quality to ensure the long-term preservation of the paper. Market demand for Bateman has remained stable, though 'Publisher's Proofs' command a 25-40% premium over regular editions. This valuation reflects the scarcity of the edition size. My assessment is limited by the medium of photography; a physical inspection is required to confirm the presence of a watermark, measure the exact paper weight, and verify that the signature is not a mechanical reproduction. For a full authentication that would satisfy insurance or auction requirements, a review of a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from Mill Pond Press or the original publisher, along with an inspection of the print's margins for any hidden moisture damage or hinging tape residue, is necessary.