AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a professionally framed and matted lithograph titled 'Retouche' by the renowned Bolivian artist Graciela Rodo Boulanger. The artwork depicts a signature Boulanger subject: a stylized, round-faced figure in a dark hat and green coat, cradling a small white animal, likely a rabbit or sheep, against an ethereal background of muted sage green and snowy white trees. The print is executed on heavy cream-colored paper and is signed 'Boulanger' in the lower right and titled 'retouche' in the lower left, likely in pencil or colored crayon. The 'retouche' (retouched) designation often indicates a personalized artist proof or a print that has had hand-finishing applied by the artist after printing to enhance specific details. The color palette is understated, utilizing earthy greens, browns, and whites, reflecting a mid-to-late 20th-century aesthetic. The piece is housed in a contemporary silver-toned frame with an antique-style patina and is protected by a multi-layered white beveled mat. Hand-crafted details include visible painterly textures in the background and fine line work on the central figure. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, fading, or paper waviness, though it has not been examined out of the frame.

Based on my visual examination of the provided documentation and imagery, this lithograph by Graciela Rodo Boulanger, titled 'Retouche', represents a desirable example of the artist's mid-career aesthetic. The 'retouche' designation is particularly significant; it indicates hand-finishing or an artist-enhanced proof, which typically commands a 20-30% premium over standard editions due to the unique, individual attention applied by the artist's hand. The condition appears to be excellent, with the paper retaining its original cream tone and the pigments showing no signs of UV-induced fading or chromatic shifting. The contemporary framing is high-quality and provides proper archival protection. The market for Boulanger remains stable, particularly for her 'Children and Pets' motifs which are highly sought after by collectors of 20th-century Latin American art. Comparable sales of hand-retouched proofs of similar size and subject matter have consistently reached the $1,500 range in gallery settings. The rarity of this specific print is elevated by the unique painterly textures visible in the background trees, which deviate from the standard flat-color lithographic process. Note that this appraisal is based on digital images and cannot serve as a definitive certificate of authenticity. Without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the presence of a watermark (such as Arches or BF Rives), the depth of the plate mark, or the presence of non-archival mounting materials behind the mat. Full authentication would require an in-person examination to verify the pencil signature's pressure and carbon profile, as well as an inspection of provenance or a gallery 'Certificate of Authenticity' to trace its chain of ownership since its creation.