AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a black and white lithograph or art print featuring a composite illustration of the legendary heavy-weight boxer Muhammad Ali. The artwork exhibits a high level of detail in a realist style, characteristic of sports artist Robert Stephen Simon. It depicts a large, close-up portrait of Ali in boxing gloves overlaid with a smaller, full-body depiction of his iconic 1965 knockout of Sonny Liston. The piece is rendered in monochrome tones (black, white, and shades of gray) on paper stock and is professionally framed under glass with a thin silver-toned or metallic frame. Notable markings include a printed signature and copyright date of 2001 on the right side. On the left side, there is a prominent hand-written personalized inscription in black ink that reads: 'To "Bico" Frank — Best Wishes, Robert Stephen Simon 3/7/05'. The condition appears excellent with no visible signs of foxing, fading, or moisture damage. The framing is modern and intact. Robert Stephen Simon was a renowned sports artist whose works often included official collaborations with professional athletes, making this a significant piece for collectors of sports memorabilia and fine art illustration.

I have virtually examined this lithograph tribute to Muhammad Ali by the late sports artist Robert Stephen Simon. The composition is a classic representation of Simon’s photo-realistic style, featuring the iconic 'over-the-shoulder' gaze and the 1965 Liston knockdown. Based on visual analysis, the print is in excellent condition; there is no evidence of UV-induced fading, mat burn, or foxing. The personalized inscription dated March 7, 2005, significantly bolsters the piece's history, as it was signed by the artist roughly two years before his passing. Market demand for Robert Stephen Simon’s work remains steady among sports enthusiasts, particularly for subjects of Ali's stature. Comparables for signed, limited editions or personalized artist prints typically range from $300 for common prints to over $1,000 for those co-signed by the athlete. As this piece is signed by the artist but lacks a secondary signature from Ali himself, the value is driven primarily by the artist’s reputation and the iconic nature of the imagery. Important Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital imagery. While the signature appears consistent with known examples of Simon’s handwriting, I cannot verify the ink's depth, the paper's watermark, or the presence of an embossed publisher's seal. A full authentication would require removing the piece from the frame to inspect the verso for hidden damage and archival acid-free materials. Provenance documentation, such as a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the Robert Stephen Simon estate or the original gallery, would be necessary to reach the higher end of the valuation range.