Young Boy Lithograph Appraisal

Signed Lithograph of a Young Boy by Michel-Henry

This item is a framed lithograph print depicting a portrait of a young boy in traditional or rustic attire. The subject features a wide-brimmed black hat, a white collared shirt with a black ribbon tie, and a distinctive yellow patterned vest. The artistic style is representational with soft, blended colors typically found in mid-20th-century figurative works. The print is hand-signed in the lower right corner by the artist, likely French painter Michel-Henry (1928–2016), and bears an edition number in the lower left, indicating it is a limited production piece. The paper shows a visible plate mark, characteristic of the printing process. Regarding condition, there is notable foxing and moisture staining in the upper right corner of the print's border, along with general yellowing of the paper consistent with age. This suggests the piece has not been kept in an acid-free or humidity-controlled environment. The artwork is housed in a multi-layered mat with a gold-colored accent and a wooden frame behind glass. The craftsmanship of the print itself is high, demonstrating subtle tonal transitions in the skin and fabric textures. The piece likely dates from the 1960s to the 1980s, reflecting the pastoral and nostalgic themes common in Michel-Henry's figurative works before he focused more heavily on floral still lifes.