AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a limited edition color lithograph attributed to the renowned artist Marc Chagall. The artwork depicts a signature dream-like scene featuring a central figure riding a vibrant red goat-like animal, set against a saturated purple and beige background with celestial motifs. The piece is printed on what appears to be heavy off-white wove paper. Notably, it contains a pencil signature reading 'Marc Chagall' in the lower right margin and a hand-written edition number '101/150' in the lower left margin. These markings suggest a limited commercial run typical of the mid-20th-century Parisian school style. The composition exhibits Chagall's iconic lyrical expressionism and fauvist color palette. The print is housed in a modern black decorative frame with a textured beaded inner border and a black mat. Regarding condition, there is visible slight rippling to the paper substrate consistent with mounting, and the top right corner of the paper shows a slight bend or crease. The ink saturation remains strong, though further inspection out of the frame would be required to verify the authenticity of the signatures and the presence of any watermarks or acidic mat burn. The style and subject matter are hallmarks of the artist's work from the 1960s-1970s, characterized by the synthesis of circus themes and folk mythology. The craftsmanship reflects high-quality lithographic techniques with distinct layering and stippling of color.

I have conducted a visual examination of the lithograph 'Ecuyère au Cheval Rouge' attributed to Marc Chagall. The piece exhibits the artist's signature lyrical expressionism and vibrant fauvist palette. The presence of a pencil signature and the edition 101/150 aligns with typical mid-century production methods. Condition is generally good, though I noted slight rippling and a minor crease in the upper right corner, which may slightly impact the value if the paper fibers are broken. The ink saturation remains remarkably vivid. From a market perspective, Chagall remains a high-demand blue-chip artist. Comparable sales for signed and numbered color lithographs from his later periods range between $3,500 and $8,000, depending on the specific series and provenance. However, this appraisal is subject to a vital caveat: internal authenticity cannot be definitively confirmed through images alone. The signature bears the correct stylistic characteristics, but a physical inspection is required to determine if it is original graphite or a plate-signed reproduction. Full authentication requires examination out of the frame to check for 'Arches' or 'Rives' watermarks, paper thickness (gsm), and any hidden acid damage or mounting adhesive issues. Furthermore, a verifiable provenance—such as a gallery receipt or a Raisonné reference (e.g., Mourlot)—is essential to achieve the higher end of the valuation range. Without physical verification or documented history, the value reflects the risk associated with unauthenticated works in the secondary market.