199: NORMA BASSETT HALL (1889-1957) RARE COLOR WOODBLOCK

Norma Bassett Hall (1889-1957)
Old Sycamore (1941-1942)
The fine and scarce pencil signed color woodblock print circa 1941 is signed by the artist in pencil below the image lower right and titled lower left.

Though this image is from a stated edition of 100 prints, very few are known to exist. There are more in museum collections than have ever appeared at auction. In fact, only one auction record could be found, the same print appearing twice at the same auction house, once in 2011, and again in 2012. One other example was found listed as sold on the web site of a print dealer in Michigan. It appears to be the same print now held in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Norma Bassett Hall color woodblocks are not common. Examples in fine condition are even more uncommon, due to the prevalence of acidic mounts in the first half of the 20th century, and the medium's sensitivity to environmental factors. This is a very rare image in outstanding condition.
Image measures 13.5 x 11, sheet is 15.75 x 13, and frame is 22 x 19 inches.
As illustrated here outside the frame and mat, this print is in very good to fine+ condition: apparently the full untrimmed sheet, not laid down, no damage, punctures, tears or repair. The print is very clean and without stain, noting a brown spot at the upper right sheet edge and a blue printer's smudge.
$1,000 - $2,000