Mandarins and Moons by Theo Tobiasse

This is a limited edition color lithograph titled 'Mandarins and Moons' by the renowned artist Theo Tobiasse (1927-2012). The artwork is numbered 198/250 in the lower-left corner and features the title inscribed at the bottom center. The composition displays Tobiasse's signature expressionist style, combining figurative elements with dreamlike, symbolic imagery. The palette is rich with earthy ochres, soft blues, and vibrant splashes of red flowers at the bottom. The central figure appears to be a stylized nude torso, blending into a background that includes various celestial motifs and two distinct mandarin ducks, which symbolize fidelity and pair bonding. The piece is professionally framed in an elegant, wide gold-leaf finished wooden frame with visible joins that suggest high-quality craftsmanship. It is set within a clean white mat with a gold-toned inner fillet that complements the frame. The lithograph appears to be in good condition with no visible foxing or water damage, though the presence of glass creates some reflections in the provided image. The work reflects the post-war European school of surrealist-expressionism, likely dating from the late 20th century.

I have conducted a visual examination of 'Mandarins and Moons' by Theo Tobiasse, a limited edition color lithograph numbered 198/250. The piece exemplifies the artist’s mastery of surrealist-expressionism, utilizing a rich, layered palette and symbolic Judeo-Christian and celestial motifs characteristic of his later career. Condition appears excellent; the paper shows no signs of acidification, waving, or foxing, and the gold-leaf framing is of professional gallery quality, which adds significant retail appeal. The market for Tobiasse remains stable, particularly for mid-sized lithographs featuring his classic figurative subjects. Current auction comparables for signed, numbered lithographs of similar complexity range from $800 to $1,400, while gallery retail pricing often reaches $2,500 depending on the frame. The inclusion of the title and edition number in the artist's hand aligns with known authentic examples. However, the print's value is bolstered here by the 'Mandarin' theme, which is highly collectible in the decorative arts market. Limitations of this appraisal include the inability to examine the verso of the paper or verify the signature under magnification to rule out sophisticated mechanical reproductions (e.g., giclée). A definitive valuation requires an in-person inspection to confirm the presence of a watermark (such as Arches or Rives BFK) and the physical impression of the stone. I recommend the owner secure the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or a bill of sale from a reputable gallery to solidify the provenance. This report serves as an estimate of fair market value based on visual evidence provided.