AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a limited edition, numbered, and signed lithograph titled "Susan" by artist Tom Elston. The image depicts a young blonde girl in a white ruffled dress smelling white flowers, rendered in a soft, illustrative style characteristic of late 20th-century commercial art. According to the attached Certificate of Authenticity (COA) on the reverse, this specific piece is numbered 192 of a limited edition run of 350. The COA notes it was individually hand-signed by the artist and identifies it as a lithograph produced by Siva Color, Inc. in 1980. The physical presentation includes the print mounted on a brown backing board, likely for framing, with documentation secured to the back with clear adhesive tape. Also present is a 'Certification of Warranty' label, which provides technical details on the archival qualities of the paper (Limoge), suggesting it is acid-free and designed for longevity. The condition of the documentation shows some wrinkling and yellowing of the adhesive tape consistent with its early 1980s age. The print itself appears protected, though the framing status is not fully visible. The craftsmanship reflects high-quality commercial printing standards of the era, aimed at the collector market.

I have examined the provided images of 'Susan' by Tom Elston, a signed and numbered lithograph (192/350) dated 1980. The work exemplifies the romanticized, soft-focus illustrative style popular in the late 20th-century commercial art market. My visual inspection indicates the print remains in good condition, though the mounting materials show age-related yellowing of the adhesive tape and potential acid migration from the cardboard backing, which may impact long-term value if not professionally remediated. The inclusion of the original Certificate of Authenticity from Siva Color, Inc. and the 'Certification of Warranty' regarding the Limoge archival paper provides a strong preliminary basis for authenticity. Currently, the market for 1970s and 80s commercial lithography is saturated, with demand primarily driven by decorative appeal rather than high-stakes investment. Comparables for mid-tier signed lithographs of this era typically fall within the $100 to $200 range at auction. While the edition size of 350 is relatively modest, Elston’s secondary market presence is currently stable but limited. Please note that this appraisal is based on digital images; a definitive valuation requires an in-person inspection to verify the paper's watermark, check for 'foxing' or light-struck fading not visible in photos, and confirm the signature's ink penetration into the fiber. Full authentication would ideally include a provenance chain spanning from the original 1980 purchase to the present.