'Dion y Demeter' - Intaglio Collograph Print by Orlando Condeso

This is a sophisticated mixed-media print, typically identified as an intaglio collograph, created by the Peruvian-American artist Orlando Condeso. The piece, titled 'Dion y Demeter' (Dionysus and Demeter), is executed on a heavy-weight, textured cream-colored handmade paper with deckled edges. The central image features a highly stylized, mythological composition rendered in earth tones of gold, ochre, sienna, and deep sepia. The figures are depicted with graphic, folk-art-inspired features, including crown-like sunburst headdresses and bodies adorned with intricate geometric and organic patterns. Notable symbolic motifs include fish, celestial symbols, and repetitive texture work that suggests a bas-relief quality. The print shows evidence of high-level craftsmanship, particularly in the build-up of the collograph plate which creates significant physical depth and varying ink densities. The artist's signature is visible in the lower right margin, while the title is centered, and an edition or artist proof notation such as 'P/A' or '1/20' appears on the left. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, tears, or significant fading, though the paper has natural texture and edge irregularities inherent to its handmade production. The style is mid-to-late 20th century, likely dating between the 1970s and 1980s.

Based on my visual examination of the digital images provided, I have assessed 'Dion y Demeter' by Orlando Condeso. The piece is a quintessential example of Condeso’s work, blending Latin American folk motifs with the technical complexity of intaglio collography. The condition appears to be excellent; the deckled edges of the handmade paper are crisp, and the deep saturated pigments show no signs of light strike or fading. The physical depth of the collograph plate suggests a well-preserved matrix and expert ink application. Authenticity is supported by the characteristic signature and numbering consistent with known works by the artist from the 1970s. The market for Condeso remains steady, primarily driven by collectors of 20th-century printmakers and Latin American modernism. Comparables for his large-scale collographs typically fall within the $400 to $800 range at auction, depending on the edition size and thematic appeal. The mythological subject matter and high relief quality of this specific edition make it a desirable piece for a collection. However, limitations exist in this remote assessment. While high-resolution images are helpful, they cannot confirm the acidity levels of the paper or the presence of hidden repairs. A full authentication would require an in-person inspection to verify the tactile nature of the ink-to-paper bond and the watermark. Additionally, reviewing a clear provenance history or original gallery labels would be necessary to finalize a professional valuation for insurance or tax purposes.