Botanical Intaglio Print of Cotton or Seed Pods

This is a monochrome intaglio print, likely an etching or engraving, depicting a cluster of botanical forms that appear to be cotton bolls or stylized seed pods with surrounding foliage. The central composition features organic, rounded forms executed with fine cross-hatching and line work to create depth and texture against a vertically hatched background. The print is rendered in black ink on a light-colored, off-white heavy paper, showing distinct plate marks where the metal plate was pressed into the paper. The paper exhibits deckled or uneven torn edges on three sides, suggesting a handmade or high-quality thick stock. In terms of condition, there is a visible piece of yellowed adhesive tape at the top center, which has likely caused some staining or residue on the paper fibers. The top left corner shows significant creasing and slight paper loss or fraying, and there is general light foxing and discoloration consistent with age and improper storage. No artist signature or edition number is immediately visible in the lower margins, though there is a faint, dark mark in the bottom right corner of the plate. The style suggests a mid-20th-century botanical study, characterized by a realistic yet expressive approach to linework. The craftsmanship is evident in the delicate tonal transitions throughout the leaves and the structured rhythm of the background hatching.