Identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
The artwork passes the originality gate as an original intaglio print (etching/aquatint), evidenced by the distinct plate mark visible around the image. The attribution lane is locked to Emily Burling Waite based on the clear, characteristic pencil signature.
Story
Emily Burling Waite was an American printmaker active during the stated 1930s–1940s period. The pencil signature and “S. A. E. imp. ” inscription support attribution and indicate that she printed the impression herself. The owner reports a Providence Picture Frame Company sticker, but no exhibition history, prior ownership record, or title identifying this harbor scene is established. Waite's original signed prints have a specialist secondary market, with buyers reachable through print dealers and online art marketplaces.
Maker / Origin
Emily Burling Waite
Condition & Value
The visible plate mark is consistent with an original intaglio print, and the pencil signature and inscription are legible. The supplied evidence does not establish the paper's condition beneath the mat or document whether there is fading, foxing, or mounting damage.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Waite's original signed prints have a specialist secondary market, with buyers reachable through print dealers and online art marketplaces. Maritime subjects attract relevant interest, but the available prices here are predominantly dealer or marketplace asks rather than confirmed sales. Documented edition details, dimensions, margins, and condition help a listing stand apart; an asking price alone is not evidence that a print will sell at that level.
▲ Legible pencil signature supports the locked Waite attribution.
▲ Visible plate mark supports identification as an original intaglio impression.
▲ “S. A. E. imp. ” inscription supports an artist-printed period impression.
▲ Harbor subject aligns with other Waite maritime prints offered to collectors.
▼ Unmeasured plate and frame dimensions could place the print outside the size tier assumed here.
▼ Paper condition beneath the mat is unverified; confirmed fading, foxing, or mounting damage would reduce value.
▼ The verso sticker has not been visually checked; it may add context but does not yet establish a title or provenance.
▼ No confirmed sold comparison anchors the range, making achievable price less certain than the advertised prices suggest.
Best Venue
Measure the plate mark and frame, photograph the full verso and framer's sticker, and have a print specialist check the sheet and mounting before listing. For a direct sale, list on eBay at approximately $395 with clear signature, plate-mark, and verso photographs; consider $175–$225 for a faster sale. A specialist print dealer is worth approaching if examination establishes unusually strong color, generous margins, or a documented title or edition.
Upside Potential
The high end would be more attainable if examination confirms strong color, sound paper, and generous margins. A documented title or edition could strengthen a specialist listing, though the $550–$625 maritime listings remain asking prices, not demonstrated sale outcomes.