AI Appraisal Estimate

This artwork is a black and white lithograph titled 'Komposition' (Composition) by the German artist Fritz Kothe (1916–2005). The print measures 22.5 x 24 cm and presents a high-contrast, graphic style characteristic of Kothe's post-war aesthetic, which often blended elements of Pop Art and New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit). The composition features a fragmented montage of imagery: on the left, a circular motif resembling a traffic or industrial sign; on the right, the lower profile of a human face showing a nose and lips, paired with flowing, textured hair below. The contrast between rigid industrial shapes and organic human features is a recurring theme in Kothe's work. It is rendered in deep black ink on off-white paper. Notably, the piece is hand-signed by the artist in the lower right margin in pencil. The condition appears to be good with clean edges and strong ink saturation, though there is light evidence of age-related toning to the paper. The craftsmanship reflects professional printmaking techniques, with clean lines and intentional negative space used to define form. As Kothe was a significant figure in the Berlin artistic scene, this piece represents a classic example of mid-to-late 20th-century German graphic art.

I have examined the digital representations of Fritz Kothe's 'Komposition,' a black and white lithograph measuring 22.5 x 24 cm. The work demonstrates the artist's characteristic fusion of Pop Art sensibilities with the precision of New Objectivity. The interplay between industrial geometry and anatomical fragments is typical of Kothe's mid-century output. Upon visual inspection, the ink saturation appears deep and consistent, suggesting a well-preserved matrix. The pencil signature in the lower right margin appears consistent with known examples of Kothe’s hand. The paper shows minor age-related toning, which is expected for late 20th-century prints and does not significantly detract from the value, though the absence of a frame suggests it has remained in storage or a portfolio. Market demand for Kothe remains steady, particularly within the German art market; however, smaller black and white lithographs generally realize lower prices than his large-scale, vibrantly colored paintings or more complex multi-color prints. Comparables for signed Kothe lithographs of this scale typically range between $300 and $600 at auction. Limitations: This appraisal is based on image analysis and cannot account for paper weight, plate marks, or the presence of hidden repairs or foxing on the verso. To confirm authenticity and valuation, an in-person examination is required to verify the paper’s watermark and signature pressure. Provenance records or a gallery invoice would further solidify the item's valuation and chain of custody.