The Witch Cypress by William Seltzer Rice
The Witch Cypress
William Seltzer Rice
Title
The Witch Cypress
Artist
Year
c. 1925
Technique
color woodcut
Image Size
8 1/2 x 4 7/8" image
Signature
pencil, lower right
Edition Size
12 or fewer, each printed uniquely.
Annotations
titled in pencil, lower left
Reference
Paper
antique-white laid Japanese
State
published
Publisher
artist
Inventory ID
20784
Price
SOLD
Description
This color woodcut is also known as "The Witch Tree." This is a very painterly color woodcut as the brush strokes are visible from the artist painting the colors onto his blocks rather than applying them with a roller, which would have resulted in broad flat areas of color. In working in this manner, Rice created unique impressions within his very limited edition. The "Witch Tree" was located on the Pebble Beach, California famous 17 Mile Drive. It, along with the "Ostrich Tree" and the "Lone Cypress" were highlights along the Drive. The "Ostrich" came down in a storm in 1916 and the "Witch Tree" came down in the 1960s. The "Lone Cypress" is the only one standing.