AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vibrant color lithograph by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled 'A San Lazzaro' and dated 1975. The piece is a classic example of Calder’s late-career graphic work, featuring his iconic primary color palette of red, blue, and yellow, accented with black and white. The composition showcases a surreal landscape filled with geometric and biomorphic forms, including pyramids, spheres, ovals, and a spiral sun-like element. The upper register displays a horizon line with pyramidal mountains set against a linear sky. The work is signed 'Calder' and dated '75' in the plate on the lower right, with the dedicated text 'a San Lazzaro' written above the signature, referencing Gualtieri di San Lazzaro, the publisher of XXe Siècle. The print appears to be on heavy paper stock and is housed in a simple black frame. The colors remain bold and well-preserved, though there is a subtle warmth to the paper tone suggesting light aging. This piece reflects the playful, kinetic energy of Calder's mobiles translated into a two-dimensional medium, characterized by heavy black outlines and flat planes of saturated color. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality mid-century lithography, with crisp registration and even ink distribution.

I have examined the digital representation of Alexander Calder’s 1975 color lithograph 'A San Lazzaro.' This work is a recognized edition produced for the XXe Siècle publication, honoring publisher Gualtieri di San Lazzaro. Visually, the piece exhibits the bold primary palette and thick black linework characteristic of Calder’s late-period graphic style. The registration appears crisp, and the ink saturation remains vibrant, which is critical for Calder prints. Minor toning on the paper suggests slight light exposure, but there are no visible signs of foxing or significant waviness. The market for Calder prints remains consistently strong due to his global brand recognition. Comparables for this specific lithograph typically sell in the $1,200 to $3,000 range depending on the specific edition type (e.g., deluxe vs. standard) and framing quality. The dedication 'a San Lazzaro' within the plate adds historical context and appeal to collectors of mid-century modernism. However, a definitive appraisal is limited by the digital nature of this inspection. For full authentication, I would require an in-person physical examination to verify the paper's watermark (likely Arches or Rives BFK) and to confirm if the signature is hand-signed or printed in the plate. I would also need to examine the piece out of the frame to check for acid damage from the backing or adhesive tape on the margins. Formal provenance or a gallery receipt would further solidify the valuation by establishing an unbroken chain of ownership.