AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a color lithograph on paper featuring a pair of Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), one male and one female, perched on a weathered log amongst reeds. The piece is rendered in a naturalistic style with fine detail in the plumage and texture of the wood. The image contains several printed text elements: 'PLATE NO. 1' at the top right, 'WATERFOWL SERIES' on the left margin, and 'Wood Duck' followed by the scientific name 'AIX SPONSA' near the center. Below the title, there is a printed signature that appears to read 'DON WHITLATCH' with a cursive signature below it. The owner identifies this as being signed by Don Whitlatch; while the signature is consistent with his known works, it is unverified without physical inspection to determine if it is a hand-signed autograph or part of the print plate. The paper appears to be an off-white or cream color with wide margins. Small vertical text on the bottom left margin reads '© NATURE PORTRAITS OF AMERICA'. The overall condition appears good with clean edges, though vertical creasing is visible on the left side of the sheet. The composition and high-detail rendering are stylistically consistent with late 20th-century American wildlife art.

Based on the provided description and image, I have evaluated this wildlife lithograph titled 'Wood Duck' from the 'Waterfowl Series'. The piece bears a signature and markings consistent with the work of Don Whitlatch and is identified by the owner as a signed work. While the composition and high-detail rendering align with Whitlatch's established style, I cannot determine from a photo whether the signature is a hand-signed autograph or part of the printed plate. A physical inspection would be required to verify the medium of the signature, which significantly impacts the value. The presence of '© NATURE PORTRAITS OF AMERICA' suggests this is a commercial lithographic edition. The value estimate of $75–$150 assumes the piece is a limited edition print with a hand-signed signature in good condition; however, the visible vertical creasing on the left margin noted in the description may detract from the high end of this range. If the signature is determined to be a facsimile (part of the print) rather than hand-signed, the market value would likely decrease to the $25–$50 range. The market for late 20th-century wildlife art is currently stable but niche, with values driven primarily by the popularity of the subject matter and the reputation of the artist. To confirm the piece's status, an in-person examination by a print specialist or documentation of provenance would be necessary. Should the print be an unnumbered open edition or a later reproduction, its value would be primarily decorative.