Oyster Boats Print by Curtis Swanson Appraisal
Category: Print
Description
This item is an unframed print entitled "Oyster Boats" by Curtis Swanson. The print is an etching or engraving on a cream-colored paper. The image depicts a harbor scene with several sailboat-style boats with masts and rigging visible. The foreground shows two larger boats prominently, with several smaller boats in the background. Beyond the boats, the shoreline is visible with what appears to be buildings and trees. The overall tone of the print is sepia-toned due to the ink used and the paper color. The print is numbered 99/300 in the lower left corner, indicating it is a limited edition print. The title "Oyster Boats" is handwritten below the center of the print, and the artist's signature, "Curtis Swanson", is handwritten in the lower right corner. The edges of the print appear slightly uneven, suggesting it may be a deckled edge. There are no obvious signs of damage or wear visible in the provided image, and the print appears to be in good condition with a consistent patina appropriate for its age. The style suggests a mid to late 20th-century date.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image of the unframed print "Oyster Boats" by Curtis Swanson, I can offer the following appraisal. The print appears to be an etching or engraving on cream-colored paper, featuring a sepia-toned harbor scene. The limited edition number (99/300), title, and artist's signature are handwritten and visible in the appropriate locations. The deckled edge is also suggested by the uneven edges. Based *solely* on the image, the print appears to be in good condition with no obvious damage, consistent with its likely mid to late 20th-century origin. Authenticity from images alone is limited; a physical examination is necessary to confirm the printing technique, paper quality, and the authenticity of the signature and numbering through details not discernible in photographs. Provenance documentation, such as sales records or certificates of authenticity, would further confirm its origin and history. Comparable sales for Curtis Swanson prints, particularly similar limited editions, generally fall within a moderate range. Demand for his work is consistent but not exceptionally high. The limited edition status adds some rarity, but 300 impressions is a relatively common edition size. Factors impacting value include the subject matter (maritime scenes are popular), the condition (which appears good here), and the edition size. Unframed prints typically command less than framed ones.
Appraisal Value
$150-250