Mel Hunter “That Time of Year” 1974 Signed Limited Edition Lithograph 47/260

Limited Edition #47 of 260, That Time of Year by Mel Hunter (American, 1927–2004). Pencil signed and dated ’74 lower right, titled and numbered lower left. This finely rendered lithograph portrays a peaceful winter homestead with a snow-covered road, leafless trees, and a still pond in the foreground—an evocative study of seasonal quiet typical of Hunter’s Vermont landscapes.

Executed with Hunter’s meticulous stippled lithographic technique, the piece reflects his transition from scientific illustrator to master printmaker. Framed and matted behind glass in a brushed metal frame, this work is a serene example of 20th-century American realism and a fine addition to any collection of regional or contemporary prints.

Condition

Good overall condition with light toning consistent with age. Print and mat are clean and stable within the frame; no tears or staining visible.

Dimensions

• Overall: 26 x 21.25 inches

• Visible artwork: 20.75 x 16.5 inches

Artist Biography: Mel Hunter (1927–2004)

Mel Hunter was an American artist, illustrator, and printmaker celebrated for his technical mastery and lyrical depictions of the natural world. Born in Oak Park, Illinois in 1927, Hunter was largely self-taught, developing early skills in both art and engineering that would define his multifaceted career.

He began as a commercial and science fiction illustrator in the 1950s, contributing striking covers and interior artwork to leading magazines such as Galaxy, If, and The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. His imaginative yet scientifically grounded compositions earned him several Hugo Award nominations and recognition as one of the foremost illustrators of the early Space Age.

In the 1960s, Hunter transitioned from illustration to fine art lithography, settling in Vermont, where the rural landscape profoundly influenced his mature work. His limited-edition prints—most often depicting barns, snow scenes, and quiet countryside views—are noted for their meticulous technique and meditative calm. Over his lifetime, Hunter produced more than 150 original lithograph editions, pioneering the use of Mylar as a drawing surface, an innovation that reshaped modern lithographic practice.

Hunter also authored and illustrated several books on science and ecology, as well as technical guides such as The New Lithography, which became a reference for printmakers worldwide. His artwork has been exhibited nationally and remains sought after by collectors of American realism and fine printmaking.

Mel Hunter passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy that bridges art, science, and craftsmanship—a body of work that continues to reflect the quiet precision of both the natural and imaginative worlds he explored.