Jean Helion Lithograph Appraisal

Untitled Abstract Lithograph by Jean Hélion

This item is an original color lithograph by the acclaimed French artist Jean Hélion, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The artwork features Hélion's transitional style, blending his earlier penchant for strict geometric abstraction with his later movement toward representational and figurative forms. The composition utilizes a sophisticated palette of muted earth tones, including tan and gray, contrasted against bold accents of dark blue and a deep magenta or purple background. The central figure appears to be a stylized, abstracted human form or mannequin-like shape, rendered with precise lines and planar volumes characteristic of Post-Cubist influence. The work is printed on high-quality woven paper and is presented within a professional mounting, featuring a wide tan-colored mat and a dark, minimalist rectangular frame. The lithographic technique shows excellent registration and ink density, reflecting high-quality craftsmanship in the printing process. Condition-wise, the visible portion of the print appears well-preserved with no immediate signs of foxing or water damage, though there is a noticeable reflection on the protective glass in the lower-center region. This piece represents a significant period in European Modernism, bridge-gapping the void between pure Abstraction and the Humanist figurative movement.