Snapshot In Time: The country was in the middle of World War II when this woodcut made it's original debut. Out of the thicket, in cities and towns across the United States, food coupons ensured a dull and semi-healthy diet. Irish coffee (invented this year) may have been served after a hike in these glorious woods. When not looking at the aspens, people were sure to see the image of Rosie the Riveter which appeared for the first time in 1943.

Art Smart Fact: "The charm of a color woodcut," Baumann wrote, "is usually the by-product of good craftmanship and does not become apparent until the print is thoroughly dried and the colors amalgamated at last."

About The Art: Independent and influential, Gustave Baumann stands at the center of American color relief printmaking in the 20th century. He is considered by many to be the "best of the best" of any color woodcut artist who has ever worked in this difficult medium. Today, original woodcuts by Gustave Baumann cost thousands of dollars if and when you can find them.

But you don't have to win the lottery to own his work. This is a fine reproduction of ASPEN THICKET. Indeed, it is one of the best reproductions I have seen in over a decade of selling both original and replicated Baumann woodcuts. You will be very surprised how authentic the signature and hand-in-the-heart chop mark look and how good the colors are.....even the paper has texture. Several of the out-of-print reproductions have gone on to become valuable themselves; today ASPEN THICKET is one of the best buys at Peggity's.