Centenaire de la Découverte de la Pile Voltaïque - Como 1900 October (Les Maîtres de l’Affiche Plate 196)

This item is a framed lithographic print titled 'Centenaire de la Découverte de la Pile Voltaïque - Como 1900 October,' which is plate 196 from the renowned 'Les Maîtres de l’Affiche' series. The print is housed under glass within a decorative, deeply carved gold-toned frame, likely made of wood, exhibiting ornate floral and foliate motifs. The frame appears to be in very good condition with minimal visible wear, suggesting good care or recent framing. The print itself is presented within a creamy-white mat, providing a clean border between the artwork and the frame. The artwork features an Art Nouveau aesthetic, characterized by flowing lines and nature-inspired ornamentation. Two female figures are depicted; one in a terracotta-red dress with an olive green underskirt or drape is seated and appears to be interacting with a scientific apparatus or a diagram related to electricity, possibly a voltaic pile, which is central to the print’s theme. Another figure, partially obscured behind the first, wears a green garment and observes. The background and borders are richly decorated with stylized organic forms. The dominant colors include muted reds, greens, and browns, set against a sepia-toned or light brown background for the main image, with creamy-white elements in the text area. The print commemorates the centenary of the discovery of the voltaic pile, an event held in Como, October 1900, and mentions an 'Exposition Internationale d'Électricité' and 'Congrès International des Electriciens'. The artist's signature, though difficult to discern fully from the image, appears to be 'G. Roesler, Pr.' printed at the bottom. The condition of the print appears excellent, with no visible tears, significant discoloration, or foxing through the glass, indicative of its preservation within the frame. The entire composition emanates a sense of historical importance combined with artistic elegance typical of the Art Nouveau period, estimated to be from around 1900, given the event commemorated and the publication date of the 'Les Maîtres de l’Affiche' series.

I have examined the provided image of the framed lithographic print titled 'Centenaire de la Découverte de la Pile Voltaïque - Como 1900 October,' Plate 196 from 'Les Maîtres de l’Affiche.' Based on visual inspection, the print appears to be in excellent condition, with no visible tears, significant discoloration, or foxing through the glass, which is commendable for a piece of this age. The colors, notably the muted reds, greens, and browns, seem vibrant and consistent with Art Nouveau lithography from the period. The decorative, deeply carved gold-toned frame also appears well-maintained, complementing the artwork's aesthetic. Authenticity: As a plate from 'Les Maîtres de l’Affiche,' its known origin within this published series lends significant credence to its authenticity. The style is consistent with G. Roesler's work and the Art Nouveau period. However, without in-person examination, I cannot definitively confirm its authenticity. Full authentication would require removing the print from the frame to inspect the paper quality, plate marks, and verso for any stamps, publishing details, or annotations. Provenance documentation, such as receipts or exhibition history, if available, would further solidify its authenticity. Market conditions for individual plates from 'Les Maîtres de l’Affiche' are generally stable. While not the most iconic or highly sought-after plates in the series, those by lesser-known artists like G. Roesler still hold value due to their historical context and artistic merit. Demand is moderate, driven by collectors of Art Nouveau, poster art, and historical prints. Rarity is high in the sense that original prints from this series are finite. Factors impacting value include its excellent apparent condition, the attractive Art Nouveau aesthetic, and its historical significance commemorating the voltaic pile centenary. The framing is also a positive factor, as professional framing adds to desirability and protection. Given these aspects, I estimate the appraisal value for this piece to be in the range of $400-600. Limitations: My assessment of condition and authenticity is based solely on high-resolution images. A physical inspection would be crucial to confirm the absence of subtle damage (e.g., minor accretions, unflattened creases), precise color rendition, and to thoroughly authenticate the print by examining its physical characteristics out of the frame.