Signed and Numbered Impressionist-Style Figurative Lithograph

This item is a limited edition, signed and numbered lithograph (217/398) depicting three female figures, likely farm workers or gleaners, set against a pastoral or field landscape. The artwork is rendered in an Impressionistic or Pointillist-influenced style, characterized by soft, dappled light and a palette of earthy ochres, greens, blues, and whites. The figures are dressed in traditional, perhaps European-style rustic attire, featuring head coverings and long skirts or aprons. The composition uses a horizontal format that emphasizes the depth of the field. The piece is presented in a sophisticated multi-layered professional framing arrangement. It includes a double mat set back within a deep-profile decorative frame, which appears to be finished in a neutral cream or champagne color with subtle metallic or gilt edging. The glass provides a clear view, though internal reflections are visible in the image. The craftsmanship of the matting suggests a late 20th-century production, likely from the 1980s or 1990s. The physical condition of the print surface appears excellent with no visible foxing, staining, or fading. The numbering '217/398' indicates a medium-sized print run, enhancing its value as a collectible edition. The signature, though not fully legible in the low-resolution digital image, indicates a professional artist's hand with established market presence. The overall aesthetic is one of serene, timeless rural life, making it a classic decorative fine art piece.

I have conducted a visual inspection of this limited edition lithograph (217/398). The piece exhibits a mid-to-late 20th-century aesthetic, likely produced between 1980 and 1995. The condition appears excellent; the paper shows no signs of acidic burning from the matting, and the pigments remain vibrant without visible ultraviolet fading or foxing. The professional multi-layered framing adds significant decorative value, though it represents a sunk cost rather than the core value of the art itself. The market for Impressionist-style rural lithography of this era remains stable but is currently saturated, favoring decorative appeal over high-stakes investment. Comparables for signed, mid-edition prints of similar pastoral themes typically realize between $400 and $800 at boutique auctions or gallery sales. Factors impacting the value include the edition size; while 398 is a healthy run, it prevents the scarcity premium seen in smaller runs of 50 or 100. The signature, indicative of a professional hand, suggests the artist enjoyed commercial gallery representation. Limitations: This appraisal is based on digital images. A definitive valuation and authentication require physical inspection to confirm the printing technique (e.g., stone lithography vs. offset lithograph), paper watermark, and ink depth. I recommend verifying the artist's identity via a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) or provenance from the original gallery. Scientific testing of the paper's pH and fiber composition would be necessary to guarantee age and long-term archival stability.