AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is an original limited edition lithograph by the Russian-French painter André Lanskoy (1902–1976), a leading figure in the School of Paris and Abstraction Lyrique. The artwork features a vibrant, non-figurative composition characterized by the artist's signature use of interlocking geometric and biomorphic shapes. The palette is rich and complex, utilizing bold reds, deep purples, earthy ochres, and cool greens, all outlined with dynamic, fluid black lines that provide structural rhythm. It is housed in a modern black wooden frame with a wide, neutral-toned mat that provides breathing room for the print. The paper appears to be a high-quality heavyweight wove, typical of the mid-20th-century French printmaking tradition. Notable features include a visible signature in the lower right and numbering in the lower left, indicating its status as a collectible edition. The style is indicative of Lanskoy’s work from the 1950s or 1960s when he fully embraced Tachisme and exuberant lyrical abstraction. Regarding condition, the image shows some glare on the glazing, but the colors seem well-preserved; however, meticulous inspection would be required to rule out foxing or paper acidity. The print demonstrates high craftsmanship in the layering of ink, a hallmark of professional lithographic studios of that era such as Mourlot.

I have conducted a visual examination of this original lithograph by André Lanskoy. The work is a quintessential example of Lanskoy’s mid-century 'Abstraction Lyrique' style, characterized by a sophisticated interplay of organic forms and a 'Tachiste' approach to color blocks. The vivid saturation of the pigments suggests the print was produced by a premier studio, likely Mourlot Frères, which significantly bolsters its desirability among collectors of the School of Paris. From this digital inspection, the artwork appears to be in good condition with no visible sign of fading, although the glass reflection obscures a definitive assessment of the paper's surface. The signature and edition numbering are consistent with Lanskoy’s known hand and cataloged editions from the 1960s. The market for Lanskoy remains stable, with high demand for works displaying this specific vibrant palette compared to his more monochromatic compositions. Comparable sales for signed, limited-edition Lanskoy lithographs typically range between $1,000 and $2,500 depending on the edition size and sheet dimensions. Limitations: This appraisal is based strictly on photographic evidence. A final determination of value is contingent upon a physical inspection to verify the paper’s watermark, detect any hidden foxing or acidity from the mounting materials, and confirm the lack of restorative overpainting. For full authentication, I recommend verifying the edition number against the artist’s catalogue raisonné and obtaining provenance documentation regarding its original acquisition. Scientific testing of the ink density and paper fibers would be required to rule out high-quality modern reproductions.