“Spirit of the Past - Goshawk and Totems” by Robert Bateman

This is a limited edition offset lithograph on paper by renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman. The image depicts a Northern Goshawk in mid-flight, swooping toward the ground amidst a coastal Pacific Northwest landscape. The scene features weathered, fallen totem poles overgrown with dry grass and moss, set against a backdrop of dense evergreen forest. The artwork is executed in Bateman's signature hyper-realistic style, showcasing intricate detail in the bird's plumage and the wood grain of the ancient carvings. It is hand-signed by the artist in the lower left margin in graphite and as well as having a printed signature within the plate dated 1981. This specific piece is a limited edition, hand-numbered 386/950 in the upper left margin. The bottom margin includes the text “LITHOGRAPHED IN CANADA — LITHOGRAPHIE AU CANADA.” The piece is professionally mounted in a double mat—an outer white mat and a thin inner burgundy accent mat—and housed within a simple gold-toned or wooden frame under glass. The visible condition appears good with no signs of foxing or fading, though there is a prominent glare on the glass from external lighting in the photograph. The craftsmanship reflects high-quality commercial art printing from the late 20th century, specifically the early 1980s.

I have conducted a visual appraisal of 'Spirit of the Past - Goshawk and Totems' by Robert Bateman. Based on the provided imagery, the piece is a limited edition offset lithograph (386/950) from 1981. The print exhibits Bateman's characteristic mastery of the Pacific Northwest aesthetic. I observe two signatures: a plate-printed signature and a distinct graphite artist-signed signature, which is standard for Mill Pond Press releases of this era. Condition appears stable; I noted no obvious foxing, moisture damage, or significant UV bleaching, although the burgundy inner mat suggests a secondary market framing that may not use archival-grade materials. Historically, Bateman's market peaked in the 1980s and 90s. While demand has softened due to a high volume of secondary market inventory, 'Spirit of the Past' remains a sought-after 'classic' title due to its spiritual and cultural themes. Comparables for this specific edition size typically hammer between $400 and $700 depending on frame quality and acidity levels. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. A definitive valuation requires an in-person inspection to verify the paper's pH levels, confirm the signature is not a mechanical reproduction (autopen), and inspect the reverse for a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or Mill Pond Press stamps. For full authentication, I would need to remove the print from the frame to examine the 'hidden' margins for paper hallmarks and check for 'ghosting' or hidden acid burns from the non-archival matting, which could significantly decrease the value if present.