#80 • Fred Machetanz "Beginnings" Print

Part of April 2026 Art Auction (timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $225.00

Status: Sold

Category: Art

A signed and numbered 442/950 print by the late Alaskan artist Fred Machetanz (1908-2002), entitled "Beginnings". The work depicts a female polar bear, having emerged from her winter den of ice and snow, with her three-month old cub, stopped for a precautionary sniff of the air. She wants to make certain there is no danger and at the same time is probably hopeful of detecting the presence of a succulent seal. Her baby is just beginning to venture forth and entertains his ideas of heroic exploits while in reassuring proximity to his mother. The day is foreboding as life sometimes is, but a touch of low-level spring sun showing beneath the cloud layer gives promise of sunny days too, and the ice fields have broken up and are on their way north. Our beginning explorer will grow as steadily and rapidly as the lengthening hours of sunlight, and in the days ahead he will learn to swim and hunt and then leave forever the protective shadow of his mother. Numbered lower left and signed lower right in graphite by the artist. Matted and framed, it measures approximately 29.25" x 41" overall. Note: This item is exceptionally large and/or heavy, and may require custom boxing or crating depending on the intended destination and available carrier services. For more information prior to bidding, please email us at Shipping@AlaskaPremierAuctions.com or call/text us at 907.570.7050.