“SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA” by Samson Pollen (1931–2018), 1992 offset lithograph 13×17″, signed & numbered AP 52/100, military portrait.
“SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA” by Samson Pollen is a signed Artist Proof limited edition offset lithograph (13×17″) depicting a stoic Civil War soldier against an American flag — collectible military art by a noted American illustrator.
Artwork Description
SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA is a 1992 limited edition offset lithograph by American illustrator Samson Pollen (1931–2018). The work measures 13×17 inches, is signed, and numbered AP 52/100 in pencil on the mount. It depicts a resolute Union Army sergeant from the American Civil War era, gripping his revolver and bayonet with crossed arms set against a subtly rendered US flag backdrop. Pollen’s composition emphasizes idealized masculinity, fidelity, and historical narrative, hallmarks of his illustrative style.
Although produced via offset lithography rather than a hand-pulled process, the image maintains rich coloration and sharp draftsmanship typical of quality print editions from this period. The surface shows foxing consistent with vintage paper and storage conditions, which is typical in collectible offset prints of this age and should be noted as a condition factor for valuation.
Artist Biography – Samson Pollen (1931–2018)
Samson Pollen was a prolific American illustrator and visual storyteller, born in 1931 and active until his death in 2018. A lifelong New Yorker, Pollen built a remarkable career creating dynamic figurative art, particularly within the realms of pulp fiction, adventure illustration, and narrative portraiture. His work appeared on book covers and publications spanning genres from action and historical fiction to drama, often capturing themes of heroism, rugged individualism, and the American imagination.
Pollen’s stylistic approach — smooth, polished, and figuratively strong — has been compared to illustrators such as James Bama, reflecting a shared focus on muscular realism and compelling human presence. One of his primary models, Steve Holland, regularly inspired his male figures; on occasion, his wife Jacqueline served as a model, illustrating his artistic versatility in character representation.
His art has been featured in respected publications including Artforum, Illustration, and Intelligent Collector, and he remained devoted to traditional illustrative techniques throughout his long career. Pollen described his practice as storytelling with a brush, aligned with the narrative impulse of writers: “He [a writer] tells stories on paper with a pen, and I tell them with a brush… We’re both doing the same thing in a different way.”
Samson Pollen SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA, 1992 limited edition offset lithograph, signed & numbered Artist Proof AP 52/100, 13×17″, collectible military portrait print.
Certificate of Value & Authentication
This is to certify that SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA is a genuine 1992 offset lithograph by Samson Pollen (1931–2018), signed and marked AP 52/100. The print’s edition status, artist signature, and production context have been verified against known editions and sources. Foxing is present and noted for condition transparency.
Provenance Chain for Collectors
Private Collection → Mitch Morse Gallery, New York, NY (Original Acquisition) → Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (Current Owner)
Condition Note
Vintage offset print with noticeable foxing; paper quality and color remain structurally sound; AP signature and edition clear.
“SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA” by Samson Pollen (1931–2018), 1992 offset lithograph 13×17″, signed & numbered AP 52/100, military portrait.
“SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA” by Samson Pollen is a signed Artist Proof limited edition offset lithograph (13×17″) depicting a stoic Civil War soldier against an American flag — collectible military art by a noted American illustrator.
Artwork Description
SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA is a 1992 limited edition offset lithograph by American illustrator Samson Pollen (1931–2018). The work measures 13×17 inches, is signed, and numbered AP 52/100 in pencil on the mount. It depicts a resolute Union Army sergeant from the American Civil War era, gripping his revolver and bayonet with crossed arms set against a subtly rendered US flag backdrop. Pollen’s composition emphasizes idealized masculinity, fidelity, and historical narrative, hallmarks of his illustrative style.
Although produced via offset lithography rather than a hand-pulled process, the image maintains rich coloration and sharp draftsmanship typical of quality print editions from this period. The surface shows foxing consistent with vintage paper and storage conditions, which is typical in collectible offset prints of this age and should be noted as a condition factor for valuation.
Artist Biography – Samson Pollen (1931–2018)
Samson Pollen was a prolific American illustrator and visual storyteller, born in 1931 and active until his death in 2018. A lifelong New Yorker, Pollen built a remarkable career creating dynamic figurative art, particularly within the realms of pulp fiction, adventure illustration, and narrative portraiture. His work appeared on book covers and publications spanning genres from action and historical fiction to drama, often capturing themes of heroism, rugged individualism, and the American imagination.
Pollen’s stylistic approach — smooth, polished, and figuratively strong — has been compared to illustrators such as James Bama, reflecting a shared focus on muscular realism and compelling human presence. One of his primary models, Steve Holland, regularly inspired his male figures; on occasion, his wife Jacqueline served as a model, illustrating his artistic versatility in character representation.
His art has been featured in respected publications including Artforum, Illustration, and Intelligent Collector, and he remained devoted to traditional illustrative techniques throughout his long career. Pollen described his practice as storytelling with a brush, aligned with the narrative impulse of writers: “He [a writer] tells stories on paper with a pen, and I tell them with a brush… We’re both doing the same thing in a different way.”
Samson Pollen SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA, 1992 limited edition offset lithograph, signed & numbered Artist Proof AP 52/100, 13×17″, collectible military portrait print.
Certificate of Value & Authentication
This is to certify that SGT. CHARLES E. WOOD, USA is a genuine 1992 offset lithograph by Samson Pollen (1931–2018), signed and marked AP 52/100. The print’s edition status, artist signature, and production context have been verified against known editions and sources. Foxing is present and noted for condition transparency.
Provenance Chain for Collectors
Private Collection → Mitch Morse Gallery, New York, NY (Original Acquisition) → Artfind Gallery, Washington DC (Current Owner)
Condition Note
Vintage offset print with noticeable foxing; paper quality and color remain structurally sound; AP signature and edition clear.
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