Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
A serene, hand-colored soft-ground etching depicting a quiet winter landscape with a prominent bare tree, a distant cabin, and a frozen stream. This piece features the artist's characteristic delicate line work and subtle watercolor washes that bring the cold, crisp atmosphere of a Midwestern winter to life. It is pencil-signed by the artist in the lower right margin and titled in the lower left.
Story
Born in Great Britain and trained in Belgium, Leon Pescheret brought European printmaking mastery to the American Midwest. He designed the interior of the Drake Hotel in Chicago before dedicating himself to capturing the quiet beauty of rural Wisconsin landscapes.
Maker / Origin
Leon Rene Pescheret (1892–1971) was a highly regarded American etcher, illustrator, and interior designer. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and under master etchers in Europe, eventually establishing his home and studio in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He became famous for his multi-plate color etching technique, which allowed him to achieve watercolor-like delicacy in his printed works.
Condition & Value
The etching appears to be in good condition with strong coloration, though there is visible toning and mat burn along the edges of the paper consistent with age and exposure to non-archival framing materials. The simple wood frame is period-appropriate but shows minor scuffs.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.