Identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a hand-signed, numbered limited edition art print (27/99) combining etching and blind embossing on heavy rag paper. Titled 'Portland Rose II', it features a detailed, fine-line etching of a blooming rose enveloped by raised lettering reading 'The City of Roses - Portland Oregon'. The valuation is anchored by asking prices for similar 1970s-1980s regional and floral embossed etchings.
Story
Created in 1986 by an artist signing as 'Monk', this piece celebrates Portland, Oregon's long-standing nickname, 'The City of Roses'. It reflects a popular 1980s printmaking technique that combined traditional fine-line etching with blind embossing on heavy rag paper. The secondary market for late 20th-century regional printmaking is primarily decorative, driven by local nostalgia and subject matter rather than blue-chip artist investment value. Embossed etchings (blind embossing) were highly popular in the 1970s and 1980s.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
Assuming standard condition based on the description, the value depends heavily on the crispness of the blind embossing and the cleanliness of the heavy rag paper.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
The secondary market for late 20th-century regional printmaking is primarily decorative, driven by local nostalgia and subject matter rather than blue-chip artist investment value. Embossed etchings (blind embossing) were highly popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Buyers for this specific piece are likely Portland residents or those with a connection to the 'City of Roses', looking for affordable, vintage local art on platforms like Etsy or eBay.
▲ Regional Portland, Oregon subject matter appeals directly to local collectors and decorators.
▲ Combination of fine-line etching and blind embossing provides appealing texture.
▲ Limited edition numbering (27/99) adds a perception of scarcity.
▼ Unverified framing status — unframed prints command lower prices and are harder to sell quickly.
▼ Potential for hidden acid burn or foxing on 1980s rag paper if previously framed with non-archival materials.
▼ Artist 'Monk' lacks broad national recognition, capping the upper market potential.
Best Venue
List on a broad secondary marketplace like Etsy or eBay, using keywords targeting buyers searching for vintage Portland decor or rose-themed art. Ensure photographs clearly highlight the 3D effect of the blind embossing by using raking (side) light. Price around $60-$75 if framed and in excellent condition, or $40-$50 if unframed.
Upside Potential
If the piece is professionally framed in archival materials and the artist 'Monk' can be definitively linked to a more prominent Pacific Northwest printmaker using a pseudonym, it could reach the $100-$125 range to a dedicated regional collector.