AI Appraisal Estimate

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.

I have virtually examined this limited edition lithograph (27/450) by David Maass. The piece exhibits the high-order detail characteristic of Maass’s mid-to-late career, specifically his mastery of waterfowl plumage and reflective water surfaces. The print appears to be in excellent condition; I observe no evidence of foxing, acid migration from the matting, or UV-related fading, which often plagues prints from this era. The ornate egg-and-dart molding frame adds significant decorative value, though it represents a considerable portion of the total valuation given its substantial construction. David Maass is a titan in the wildlife art market, being a two-time Federal Duck Stamp winner. While the secondary market for 1980s-90s wildlife prints has moderated from its peak, low edition numbers (such as this sub-50 sequence) retain better liquidity. Comparables for framed Maass lithographs typically range from $300 to $800 depending on the specific subject and framing quality. Critically, this appraisal is based on photographic evidence. A final authentication requires physical inspection to verify the paper's watermark and ensure the signature is hand-applied graphite rather than a printed facsimile. I would also need to examine the reverse to check for acid-free mounting and the presence of a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable publisher like Wild Wings. The current valuation assumes the print is professionally mounted with conservation-grade materials. Any hidden moisture damage or non-archival taping discovered upon opening the frame would decrease the value by approximately 40%.