Eric Sloane American 1905 1985 Sunrise On The Farm Lithograph

Collectors of Americana often come across pastoral Eric Sloane prints featuring barns, fields, and monumental skies. “Sunrise on the Farm” is a title consistent with Sloane’s favored subject matter and is encountered both as limited edition lithographs and as later offset reproductions. For appraisers and enthusiasts, understanding how to authenticate, describe, and value such a print is essential to accurate appraisal and preservation.

Below is a focused guide to identifying and evaluating an Eric Sloane “Sunrise on the Farm” lithograph, with practical steps, market context, and condition considerations.

Why Eric Sloane’s “Sunrise on the Farm” Resonates

• The artist: Eric Sloane (1905–1985), born Everard Jean Hinrichs, was an American painter, writer, and chronicler of early American life. He is known for luminous skies, barns, covered bridges, weather lore, and hand tools. His books—such as A Reverence for Wood and Diary of an Early American Boy—cemented his place as an authority on rural New England culture.
• The subject: Dawn on a farm gives Sloane the perfect stage for his signature skyscapes—high, layered clouds, warm low-angle light, long shadows across fields, and the geometry of barn roofs and fences. These motifs signal “classic Sloane,” which helps demand.
• Why collectors care: The image evokes nostalgia and regional identity. Sloane’s name recognition, narrative titles, and pencil-signed limited editions make his prints accessible entry points compared to his oil paintings.

Takeaway: Subject and sky are value drivers for Sloane. A dawn scene with a commanding sky aligns with what his audience seeks.

Identifying an Authentic Sloane Lithograph

Many prints are labeled “lithograph,” but that term is often used loosely. For “Sunrise on the Farm,” you may encounter:

• Original or hand-pulled lithographs on fine art paper, typically limited in number and pencil signed by the artist.
• Offset lithographic reproductions (posters or open editions), sometimes bearing a printed signature in the image but lacking a true pencil signature or numbering.

To distinguish them, inspect the following:

1. Signature and Numbering

• Pencil signature: Authentic limited editions are typically hand-signed “Eric Sloane” in graphite at the lower right margin. Expect a deliberate, confident hand, not a shaky or mechanically uniform line.
• Edition number: Limited editions are usually numbered in graphite at the lower left (e.g., 125/300). You may also see A/P (Artist’s Proof), H/C (Hors Commerce), or lower-run editions. Open editions have no numbering.
• Title: Some examples bear a pencil title between number and signature; others do not. A printed title below the image area can indicate a poster or later reproduction.
• Printed signature in the image: This is part of the print, not an artist’s hand-signature.

2. Printing Method Under Magnification

• Hand-pulled lithograph: Under 10x magnification, tones appear continuous, with ink that sits visibly on paper fibers; there is no regular halftone rosette.
• Offset reproduction: You will see a CMYK dot pattern or rosette. Thin rule lines and image textures break into tiny dots in a repeating grid.

3. Paper and Edges

• Fine art lithographs are typically on heavyweight wove paper, often with a deckled (feathered) edge. Watermarks (e.g., Arches, Rives) may be present and are visible when backlit or by gently lifting a corner over a safe light source.
• Posters and offset prints are commonly on smooth, machine-cut wood-pulp paper without a deckle, and may have a glossy or semi-gloss finish.

4. Blind Stamps and Imprints

• Some editions carry a printer’s or publisher’s blind stamp near a margin corner. Absent a stamp, look for a discreet line of printer or copyright credit near the lower margin or on the verso. Do not assume a blind stamp must be present; not all editions have one.

5. Image Quality and Palette

• Sloane’s skies tend to be nuanced, with multiple layers and a subtle, warm light at the horizon. In reproductions, gradients can look slightly flatter or more mechanical. Comparing the richness of darks and the glow of the dawn light can help.

6. Dimensions

• Record both image and sheet size. Fine art lithographs often have generous margins; posters can have narrower margins and sometimes printed captions. Avoid cutting or trimming margins—intact margins matter for value.

Tip: If your piece is signed in pencil and numbered, on deckled fine art paper without a halftone dot pattern, it is likely a limited edition lithograph rather than a poster.

Condition Factors and Conservation

Print condition is central to value. For “Sunrise on the Farm,” the relatively light, atmospheric palette means discoloration and staining are easy to spot.

Common issues and how they affect value:

• Light-fade and mat-burn: Fading of yellows and reds in the dawn sky and tan halos around the mat window (mat-burn) can reduce value by 15–40%, depending on severity. UV-filter glazing and acid-free mats prevent further harm.
• Foxing: Brown specks from fungal activity or iron impurities are common on older papers. Light foxing might reduce value by 10–20% and can often be mitigated by a qualified paper conservator.
• Toning and overall discoloration: Uniform browning indicates acidic storage or non-archival matting. This can be stabilized and sometimes reversed through conservation bleaching, but costs should be weighed against market value.
• Handling creases and edge nicks: Minor issues along wide margins are acceptable but still affect grading. Severe creases in the image area are far more detrimental.
• Tape and hinges: Pressure-sensitive tapes can stain over time; reversible Japanese paper hinges with wheat starch paste are preferred. Avoid dry-mounting, which diminishes collector value.
• Stains, moisture, or mold: Water tidelines and mildew odors are red flags. Stabilize environment (45–55% RH, ~68–72°F), then consult a conservator.

Framing recommendations:

• Use 100% cotton rag, acid-free mat and backing.
• UV-filter acrylic or glass; acrylic is lighter and safer for larger frames.
• Float mount if you want to display deckled edges, but ensure non-invasive hinging.
• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.

Market Value and Comparables

While Eric Sloane’s oil paintings can reach five- and six-figure prices, his prints occupy a more accessible range. Actual value for “Sunrise on the Farm” depends on edition type, signature, condition, and demand.

Typical ranges observed in the secondary market:

• Open-edition posters or offset reproductions, unsigned: approximately $75–$250, condition-dependent.
• Hand-signed, limited edition lithographs: commonly $300–$1,200, with stronger results for pristine condition, attractive margins, and desirable subject (dramatic sky, classic barns).
• Scarcer editions or proofs: can reach $1,200–$2,000+ when subject matter is exceptionally strong, condition is excellent, and provenance is documented.

Value drivers:

• Authentic pencil signature and numbering on fine art paper.
• Condition close to “excellent,” with minimal toning and unfaded colors.
• Subject quality: pronounced sunrise effects, compelling cloudwork, and a quintessential farm composition.
• Provenance: receipts, certificates of authenticity, gallery labels, or estate documentation.
• Regional demand: New England and Mid-Atlantic markets tend to be robust for Sloane’s imagery.

Appraisal note: A formal insurance appraisal often cites replacement value (retail gallery equivalent), which may be higher than expected auction resale outcomes. For liquidation or fair market value, weigh recent comparable sales of the same edition and condition.

Measuring, Cataloging, and Provenance

Accurate description helps appraisers and buyers quickly assess a piece.

Document the print as follows:

• Artist: Eric Sloane (American, 1905–1985)
• Title: Sunrise on the Farm (verify exact punctuation and capitalization from the piece; note if title is printed or pencil-written)
• Medium: Lithograph on paper (specify “hand-pulled lithograph” if confirmed via inspection; otherwise “offset lithograph” if a halftone dot pattern is evident)
• Edition: e.g., 123/300 (or A/P), or “unlimited/open edition” if no numbering
• Signature: Pencil-signed lower right (or note if only a printed signature appears)
• Paper: Wove paper, deckled edges (note watermark if present)
• Image size and sheet size: measured to nearest millimeter or 1/16 inch
• Printer/Publisher: note any blind stamp, imprint, or accompanying COA
• Condition: use objective language—“very good with faint mat-burn,” “good with scattered foxing,” etc.
• Provenance: prior owner, gallery label, receipt date, auction lot reference, or estate source

Provenance tips:

• Retain original invoices, COAs, and exhibition tags.
• Photograph front, back, margins, signature, edition number, and any stamps.
• If the frame is old, examine the verso for gallery stickers or handwritten notations before reframing.

Practical Checklist

• Confirm pencil signature lower right and edition number lower left; note any pencil title.
• Inspect under 10x magnification: rosette dots indicate offset reproduction; continuous tones suggest hand lithography.
• Check paper: deckled edges, watermark, and weight; avoid trimming margins.
• Record precise measurements: image and sheet; photograph margins and back.
• Assess condition: foxing, toning, mat-burn, creases, stains; note glazing type and mounting method.
• Identify publisher/printer marks or blind stamps; retain or note COA.
• Research comparables for the same title and edition; separate retail (replacement) value from auction (FMV).
• If conservation is needed, get a written treatment proposal and weigh costs against expected value.
• Frame or reframe with archival materials and UV-filter glazing.

Short FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my “Sunrise on the Farm” is a limited edition lithograph or just a poster? A: Look for a hand-written pencil signature and edition number in the lower margins and examine the image under magnification. A regular dot pattern indicates offset reproduction; continuous tone suggests a hand-pulled lithograph. Paper quality and deckled edges also help distinguish them.

Q: Where should I expect to find the edition number and title? A: Most limited edition prints show the edition number in graphite at lower left and the signature at lower right. A pencil title may appear between them, though not always. Some posters have printed captions below the image instead of pencil inscriptions.

Q: What condition issues most affect value? A: Fading, mat-burn, foxing, and creases in the image area. The more pristine the paper and the more vivid the dawn colors, the higher the value. Non-archival framing and dry-mounting can reduce desirability.

Q: Are there known forgeries of Eric Sloane’s signature? A: Outright forgeries are less common than with blue-chip artists, but misrepresentations happen—especially printed signatures mistaken for pencil. Compare your signature under magnification to known authentic examples and consider a specialist opinion if value warrants it.

Q: Should I clean foxing myself? A: No. Foxing and stains should be evaluated by a professional paper conservator. DIY cleaning risks worsening stains or damaging inks. Obtain a written estimate and weigh conservation costs against expected market value.

Final thought: Eric Sloane’s “Sunrise on the Farm” combines classic subject matter with the approachable format of a lithograph. With careful authentication, honest condition reporting, and archival care, collectors and appraisers can place and preserve these works accurately in today’s market.