Description
Roy Ward Ragle (1944-2014) was a San Francisco artist renowned for his extensive series of large, detailed woodcut self-portraits. His work was primarily an exploration of his physical and psychological struggles with Crohn's disease, a chronic illness diagnosed when he was drafted into the U.S. military in 1970.
Ragle earned his B.A. from San Diego State University in 1968 and his M.F.A. from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1974.
He taught printmaking at San Francisco State University from 1976 to 1979 until his declining health forced him to stop. He had a successful exhibition career in prominent San Francisco galleries and museums, including the Legion of Honor. He was inspired by the Japanese tradition of Ukiyo-e. His technique involved creating incredibly fine, spidery lines with a dental Dremel tool on wood blocks, a method so detailed that his prints were often mistaken for etchings or lithographs.
His work is held in major collections, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He is remembered for his dedication to his craft and his ability to transform personal suffering into powerful, objective art. This print will be shipped flat, not rolled.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: There is a slight wrinkle in the paper which should flatten out when framing. The right edge of the print has minimal yellowing of paper. Please see photos.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Woodcut
Winning bidders will be contacted regarding shipping after the auction closes.
Ragle earned his B.A. from San Diego State University in 1968 and his M.F.A. from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1974.
He taught printmaking at San Francisco State University from 1976 to 1979 until his declining health forced him to stop. He had a successful exhibition career in prominent San Francisco galleries and museums, including the Legion of Honor. He was inspired by the Japanese tradition of Ukiyo-e. His technique involved creating incredibly fine, spidery lines with a dental Dremel tool on wood blocks, a method so detailed that his prints were often mistaken for etchings or lithographs.
His work is held in major collections, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. He is remembered for his dedication to his craft and his ability to transform personal suffering into powerful, objective art. This print will be shipped flat, not rolled.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: There is a slight wrinkle in the paper which should flatten out when framing. The right edge of the print has minimal yellowing of paper. Please see photos.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Paper, Woodcut
Winning bidders will be contacted regarding shipping after the auction closes.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; There is a slight wrinkle in the paper which should flatten out when framing. The right edge of the print has minimal yellowing of paper. Please see photos.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
32 x 25 x 0.15 in
Large Roy Ward Ragle Woodcut Self Portrait 1973
Estimate $800-$1,430
Starting Price
$400
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
Fine Art Collection
Aug 6, 2026, 7:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
TOP
































