Here we have a haunting antique etching from the late 1800s of a creepy Southern mansion in the woods. The piece is signed with a mysterious monogram in the plate but I haven't tracked down the underground artist.
So my first interaction with this piece went something like this. A gentleman climbs up a ladder and pulls the antique print down from above his cabinet. He says its old and from the South. I look at it and it seems odd. I can't put my finger on it. I look away and back at it 3 more times. Then it feels like there's more to it. I look away and back at it 3 more times. Now it feels straight up creepy. So I purchase it, of course.. In my vehicle I look away and back at it at every stop. By the time I get to home base, I'm completely engulfed.
There's something about this piece (and place) that is full of dread. It's just...off. Let's unpack it:
- The One Point Perspective - You ever wonder why Stanley Kubrick's films get their hooks in you? One reason is this method used in visuals, which results in feelings of uneasiness and dread. Read about it here.
- The windows - A few random panes are entirely black. ???
- The door - Real welcoming...yeesh.
- The gates - Look at them compared to the entry path.
- The trees - They completely engulf the house. Wanna hang out here at night?
- The artist monogram - It looks like a crop circle pattern.
What the h*** is going on with this place? Then you add the mysterious Southern origin, a trip up the Mississippi River, and decades in an old estate in St. Paul. I can't help but think of Stanley Kubrick, The Shining in particular. You can't see anything obvious but the few bits are enough to know all is not well, and you're out of your league. The atmosphere stifles like the film "The Witch" (see trailer here.)
Ok, I need a break. Let's proceed with the logistics.
The original framed piece measures about 15" x 13". The exposed image measures about 7.5" x 5.5". The gilded framing is pretty toast, which adds to the creepiness. Only a few pieces of the original gilding remain. There are other missing pieces of decoration as well. Near the middle left edge there is a foxing spot. At the far right edge of the print there is a 3/4" tear, but it's hidden by the frame. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
I ship to the continental USA only. Free shipping on this horrifying piece.
If you're not creeped out by this thing, consider yourself lucky, or unlucky, depending on your perspective. It's awesome and dreadful. Don't miss out.
