Lasting Impression: The Art of American Illustrator Frank H. Desch

In many ways, Frank H. Desch is representative of the generation of talented artists who influence the lens through which we explore our past.

Born in Philadelphia in 1873, Desch lived in Provincetown, Massachusetts and then New York City. He studied under masters such as William Merritt Chase and Charles Hawthorne, developing a talent for figure and portrait painting.

His impressionist style is evident in his use of a looser, more naturalistic style and subject matter. His vibrant and varied palette reflects a keen eye for color.

Desch was a valued and active member of the art community, with memberships in organizations such as the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Provincetown Art Association. He was also part of an influencial group known as the "Salmagundi Sketch Club."

Signed prints are usually more desirable than unsigned pieces. Fortunately, Frank Desch had a clear and easily readable signature, as shown here.

Unfortunately, publishers frequently cut off the signature in order to fit the artwork to the size needed for calendars, prints and advertising.

The lovely print of a young lady sipping a soda, shown above, is an example of a piece that was used by the publisher in several different forms and sizes. Some pieces show the artist's signature, while in other cases the signature has been cropped off to fit the size of the calendar or print being produced.

A close up of Frank H. Desch's signature on this piece is shown here.

Collecting vintage illustration prints is an affordable first step to assembling a first rate art collection.

While the original paintings or pastels done by even more obscure artists are understandably expensive, the vintage prints of these pieces are still attainable and affordable.

Vintage prints are the prints done from the original works, and can be found as calendar art, magazine covers, advertising pieces and posters. These prints were produced from the early 1910's through the 1940's, and were quite common in their day.

They reflect the printing technology of their time, and are characterized by vibrant colors and a warm tone. There is a depth and richness to the color that modern digital reprints just cannot match.

Because the prints were common, they were not valued. As the 1950's dawned, "space age" was in, and old-fashioned was out. The lovely ladies and lanquid landscapes of the great illustrators were passe, and many prints were lost or stored carelessly.

The renewed interest in, and appreciation for, the fine work and extreme talent of the artists of the early 1900's has made the "original" prints of their art much more valuable. Some tips for collecting:

1. Look for the word "original" in the description of the print. Although technically not a correct description, it is a way for a seller to distinguish an old print from a new reproduction.

2. At this time, signed prints are considered more valuable than unsigned prints. Printers sometimes cropped off the signature to fit the piece to the size required for a particular run of, for example, calendars. The same painting was often reproduced with the signature showing in one version, and cropped off in another.

3. Condition is always an issue. These prints were vulnerable to water damage, foxing, tears and staining. Prints that have been hanging on a wall for seventy years can be quite faded. Prints of this age are likely to have some yellowing or tearing along the edge. Look for good condition, but remember that rarity is also a factor. The more rare the piece, the less critical the condition.

4. Original framing is considered a plus, but often it is not essential to the value of the piece. Also, shipping art under glass can be dangerous to the piece. If the glass should break, it will most likely rip the art. Many collectors try to avoid shipping framed pieces.