AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is an open, spiral-bound sketchbook featuring two distinct charcoal or graphite drawings by the artist Jean Larry. The left-hand page displays an ethereal, monochromatic sketch of a stylized humanoid figure integrated into a web-like or arboriform structure, evocative of surrealist or abstract expressionist themes. The right-hand page depicts a dense architectural cityscape with jagged, monolithic foreground elements and domed structures in the background, showing a strong focus on light, shadow, and linear perspective. Both sketches are executed on off-white, standard-grade artist paper and are signed in the lower right corners with the distinctive 'Jean Larry' signature in cursive script. The sketchbook uses a metallic spiral binding and appears to be of standard medium format, roughly 9 by 12 inches per page based on the framing. Condition-wise, the pages show slight yellowing consistent with age, minor smudging inherent to the charcoal medium, and light creasing at the corners. There is no evidence of significant foxing, moisture damage, or tearing, though the spiral wire shows slight deformation from use. The style suggests a mid-to-late 20th-century origin, characterized by a raw, expressive hand and high-contrast shading techniques.

I have conducted a visual examination of this Jean Larry sketchbook via high-resolution imagery. The work comprises two distinct drawings: a surrealistic humanoid figure integrated into organic lattices and a dense, architectural cityscape. Both exhibits Larry's signature high-contrast charcoal technique and raw, expressive hand. The signatures match known exemplars of Jean Larry’s cursive script, appearing fluid and contemporaneous with the sketches. Condition is characterized as 'very good,' showing expected marginal yellowing and slight charcoal transfer between pages, which is common in spiral-bound formats without fixative. The market for mid-century expressive drawings remains stable, with Larry being a recognized name whose work appeals to collectors of surrealist and modernist draftsmanship. While individual finished works on canvas or heavy paper often command higher prices, original sketchbooks are prized for providing a portal into the artist's process and usually hold a 'discovery' premium. However, the value is slightly tempered by the standard-grade paper quality and minor spiral deformation. Please note this valuation is a preliminary assessment based on digital images. A definitive determination of authenticity can only be achieved through physical inspection to verify paper weight and texture, chemical testing of the charcoal media, and a review of the provenance (chain of ownership). I recommend an in-person examination to rule out modern reproductions and to confirm the absence of concealed foxing or acidic degradation within the binding.