Late 20th Century Bev Doolittle "Sacred Ground" Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Lithograph With Custom Southwest Frame

Details

Description

One of Bev Doolittle’s most celebrated camouflage works, Sacred Ground transforms before the viewer’s eyes, revealing layer upon layer of … Read more One of Bev Doolittle’s most celebrated camouflage works, Sacred Ground transforms before the viewer’s eyes, revealing layer upon layer of hidden imagery within an otherwise tranquil winter landscape.

At first glance, the composition depicts a solitary mountain man and his horses moving through a silent grove of snow-covered aspens. Look longer, however, and the forest begins to come alive. Within the white trunks, shadows, and negative spaces emerge Native American profiles, eagle forms, horses, and watchful figures seemingly concealed within the landscape itself.

Doolittle conceived the work around the idea of a mountain man realizing that he has entered land sacred to another people—a place where he senses unseen eyes and forces surrounding him, even if he cannot fully understand what he is experiencing.

As Doolittle described the scene:

“A mountain man senses he has intruded on land sacred to the Indian, guarded by chieftains brave as eagles, haunted by spirits he cannot see or understand. He feels watched. Threatened. He tells himself it is only his imagination. But his horse trembles and plunges forward to be away.”

A camouflage key identifying the hidden imagery is shown in the photographs; please see the final image for detail.

This example is hand signed by Bev Doolittle and numbered 31,588 of 69,596 from the original limited edition published by The Greenwich Workshop.

The original Certificate of Authenticity is also included. Unusually, the certificate was produced at approximately the same size as the print and was designed to remain with the artwork. A dedicated storage pocket was incorporated into the reverse of the framing, where the certificate has been preserved.

The lithograph is presented in an exceptional custom Southwestern-style frame with wide earth-tone matting and geometric inlay details that beautifully complement the palette and imagery of the work. The substantial presentation gives the piece impressive presence and makes it especially well suited to a mountain retreat, ranch home, lodge, library, executive office, or sophisticated Western or Southwestern interior.

A work that rewards repeated viewing, Sacred Ground demonstrates the extraordinary visual storytelling for which Bev Doolittle became renowned: landscape, wildlife, human figures, and hidden imagery merging into a single composition that reveals something new each time it is viewed.

Dimensions:
Overall framed: 49"W × 22"H × 1.5"D
Visible image: 38"W × 11.5"H

Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The lithograph retains strong color, contrast, and clarity and is protected behind glazing in its custom frame. The framing presents beautifully, with only minor age-appropriate wear consistent with careful ownership and display. Original Certificate of Authenticity and camouflage key are included. Please review all photographs, as they form part of the condition description. See less