J P Swift Appraisal

J. P. Swift, 'Premeditation, 1989' Limited Edition Lithograph

This item is a framed limited edition lithograph titled 'Premeditation' by the artist J. P. Swift, dated 1989. The artwork depicts a male figure, presumably a butler or gentleman, dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt, holding a cluster of glowing objects in his gloved hands. The figure is shown in profile, facing right, against a warm, muted brown background that suggests an interior space. To the left, a bottle and what appears to be a metal ice bucket or shaker are visible on a dark surface. The color palette is largely subdued, featuring deep browns, beiges, and the stark white of the gloves and glowing objects, creating a dramatic contrast. The print is housed within a dark, possibly wooden, frame with a white wide mat, enhancing the artwork's presentation. Visible markings on the lower left indicate it is a limited edition piece, numbered '25/75', suggesting it is the 25th print out of a total run of 75. The artist's signature 'J. P. Swift' and the date '1989' are clearly legible on the lower right corner, along with the title 'PREMEDITATION' centrally located below the image. The print appears to be in good condition overall, framed under glass, though reflections on the glass obscure some details and prevent a full assessment of the print's surface condition, such as potential foxing or fading. The quality of the print appears high, with fine detail and subtle tonal variations, indicative of a professional lithographic process. The overall aesthetic suggests a late 20th-century contemporary style, possibly with surreal or narrative elements.