Peter Max 'Pelican' Mixed Media Graphic Art

This is a vibrant and colorful work of art, likely a mixed media lithograph or serigraph, by the world-renowned pop artist Peter Max. The central image features a stylized pelican rendered in bold, whimsical brushstrokes against a warm sunset-inspired background. The color palette is dominated by intense oranges, deep reds, and varying shades of blue and green on the bird's plumage. The artwork exhibits Max's signature Neo-Expressionist style, blending graphic line work with fluid, painterly textures. In the lower right corner, there is a prominent, fluid graphite or marker signature, characteristic of the artist. The image is centrally positioned on a large white paper substrate, which is a common presentation for his smaller editioned works or posters. It is housed in a simple, thin burgundy-toned frame with a protective glazing, although a ring-light reflection is visible in the photograph. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible foxing, yellowing, or paper degradation, though it would require inspection outside of the frame for a final condition report. The piece exemplifies the optimistic and psychedelic aesthetic that Max popularized beginning in the late 1960s, though this specific piece likely dates from the late 20th or early 21st century given the refined line work.

I have virtually examined this mixed media work titled 'Pelican' by Peter Max. The piece exhibits the hallmarks of the artist’s Neo-Fauve and Pop Art aesthetic, characterized by bold, kinetic brushstrokes and a high-saturation palette. From a visual standpoint, the substrate appears healthy with no evidence of foxing or warping, and the colors remain vibrant, suggesting limited ultraviolet exposure. The signature in the lower right matches the fluid, habitual movement commonly seen in Max’s hand-signed editions from the 1990s through the early 2000s. The current market for Peter Max remains stable, though highly saturated. Values are primarily driven by the 'mixed media' designation—where the artist applies acrylic paint over a lithographic base—as these are more desirable than flat prints but less costly than unique canvases. Comparables for framed, signed mixed media works of this size and subject matter typically hammer at auction between $1,000 and $2,000, while gallery retail may be higher. However, a definitive valuation is subject to several limitations. Authenticity cannot be fully verified through digital images alone. For a conclusive appraisal, I would require an in-person inspection to determine the depth of the impasto and to confirm the signature is not a mechanical reproduction. Furthermore, a physical examination of the verso is necessary to check for a 'Peter Max' studio stamp or a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable source like Park West Gallery. Without formal provenance or a forensic review of the paper fibers, this assessment serves as a market estimate based on visual stylistic consistency rather than a guarantee of authenticity.