Lot #5: Robert Bateman SIGNED & Numbered Limited Edition Lithograph – "Trumpeter Swans and Aspen"

An exceptional, investment-grade limited-edition lithograph by the world-renowned master of wildlife art, Robert Bateman. This piece, titled Trumpeter Swans and Aspen (Cygnus buccinator), is individually numbered 513/950 and features Bateman’s authentic hand-signature in pencil in the lower right margin, directly beneath his printed signature. This beautifully preserved work is housed in an elegant gold-toned frame with professional matting. The back of the frame retains its complete original gallery documentation, including the artist's biographical summary, a specific commentary on the creation of this piece, and a dedicated title card hand-numbered to match the print. Dimensions • Frame Size: Approximately 30.25 inches x 36.5 inches Historical Significance & Collector's Notes What truly elevates this piece above the vast market of common Robert Bateman reproductions is its pedigree and artistic origin: • The 1975 Endangered Species Exhibition: Bateman originally painted this masterpiece in 1975 specifically to be showcased in a landmark exhibition dedicated to endangered species. At the time, the trumpeter swan was on the brink of extinction. This image served as a powerful symbol for conservation, celebrating one of the most successful wildlife recovery stories in North American history. • Japanese Screen Influence: Unlike traditional, heavily dense wildlife backdrops, Bateman deliberately structured this painting to emulate classic Japanese screen art. By utilizing flat, open "negative space" and starkly contrasting the delicate, golden autumn aspen branches against a high-key, misty background, he achieved an elegant, minimalist tranquility that is highly sought after by collectors of fine art. Why This Piece Stands Above the Rest The market is filled with unnumbered poster prints, modern digital open-editions, and plate-signed reproductions that carry very little secondary market value. This is not one of them. This piece is a verified early-era, mechanical lithograph from a strictly capped run of 950. Accompanied by its full, intact suite of original backing literature, it represents the exact tier of Bateman prints that serious wildlife art collectors look for. Condition Note The lithograph itself is in beautiful, crisp condition with vibrant coloration. Please note that the print has shifted slightly inside the matting over time and currently rests at a minor tilt (not perfectly square with the frame window). This is a very common occurrence with wire-hung art and can be easily remedied by an archivist or local custom framing shop by opening the dust cover to realign and re-secure the print. Pickup category timeslot {A}