AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a limited edition lithograph by the renowned Bolivian artist Graciela Rodo Boulanger, titled 'The Tennis Players' (or 'Les Joueurs de Tennis'). The artwork depicts five stylized, whimsical figures holding tennis racquets on a court, rendered in the artist's signature lyrical and naive style. The composition features a palette of earthy ochres, terracottas, and browns, contrasted with the figures' white athletic attire. The piece is hand-signed by the artist in the lower right margin and numbered in the lower left margin (appearing to be 24/150). The print is professionally matted in a neutral linen-textured mat and housed within a simple gold-toned wooden frame. Characteristic of Boulanger's work from the 1970s and 80s, the figures possess round, expressionless faces and elongated limbs, creating a sense of rhythmic movement. The condition appears stable, though there is visible glare from the glazing in the photograph and some minor wear to the frame corners. The lithography shows high craftsmanship with layered textures and clean plate marks visible around the central image.

This appraisal covers the limited edition lithograph 'The Tennis Players' by Graciela Rodo Boulanger, hand-signed and numbered 24/150. Based on ocular inspection of the digital images, the work displays the characteristic 'naïve' aesthetic and technical ink layering typical of Boulanger’s mid-career output. The signature and numbering appear consistent with known examples of her hand. The paper shows no immediate signs of foxing or water damage, though the linen matting suggests a preservation-conscious framing approach, despite minor abrasions on the frame's gilt finish. The market for Boulanger remains stable, particularly for her sporting themes which appeal to niche collectors; however, the saturated earth-tone palette is slightly less in demand than her vibrant primary-colored works. Comparables for similar editions typically clear at auction between $600 and $1,100, with retail gallery prices reaching higher. The low edition number (150) adds some scarcity value. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to inspect the verso for hinges or adhesive damage, or to verify the paper's watermark and acidity levels. For definitive authentication, I would require an in-person examination under UV light to check for restorations and a review of the original bill of sale or provenance documentation. This valuation assumes the print is not glued to the backing board and that the signature is original graphite rather than a mechanical reproduction.