Theo Tobiasse The Lute Player Color Lithograph Appraisal

Theo Tobiasse 'The Lute Player' Color Lithograph

This item is a large-format color lithograph by the French artist Theo Tobiasse (1927–2012), titled 'The Lute Player' or a similar variation of his recurring musical and romantic themes. The work features two stylized figures: a central figure in ornate, multi-colored Renaissance-style attire playing a lute, and a smaller figure in the background observing with a pensive expression. The composition is rich with vibrant primary colors—bold reds, blues, and yellows—juxtaposed against earthy green and gold tones. The artistic style is characteristic of Tobiasse’s surrealist-expressionist approach, influenced by Sephardic culture, childhood memories, and a mosaic-like application of color. The print exhibits complex layering and textural visual effects typical of high-quality lithography. Notable markings include a pencil signature in the lower right margin and an edition number in the lower left (appearing as a fraction, likely part of a limited run). The piece is housed in a mid-to-late 20th-century gold-toned frame with a wooden inlay and a wide linen-textured mat featuring a thin gold fillet. There is visible discoloration on the matting, particularly a large stain or smudge at the bottom center, and some surface scratches are present on the frame's finish. The artwork itself appears to be in stable condition, though further inspection out of the frame would be required to assess foxing or adhesive damage. This piece likely dates from the 1970s or 1980s, a period of high production and popularity for Tobiasse’s print works.