AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a large-format color lithograph after or by the renowned American artist Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled 'Sun and Moon' (also known as 'Soleil et Lune'). The composition features Calder’s signature bold, primary-color palette and whimsical, surrealist-influenced shapes. On the left, a stylized red sun with jagged rays is depicted with a smiling face, while on the right, a black crescent-shaped face represents the moon; both figures share blue-outlined eyes. The work is printed on white or cream wove paper. A signature, 'Calder,' is visible in the lower right-hand corner within the plate or pencil-signed (further inspection required to determine if it is an original signature or part of the print). The piece is housed in a simple, thin metal frame typically found in the mid-to-late 20th century. The artwork appears to be a mid-century modern piece, likely from the 1960s or 1970s. Regarding condition, there is visible waviness (cockling) to the paper, suggesting it may not be mounted to an acid-free backing or has been exposed to humidity changes. The colors appear vibrant, though a professional inspection would be needed to check for light-fading or foxing hidden near the frame edges.

I have conducted a visual examination of the Alexander Calder lithograph 'Sun and Moon.' This piece displays the quintessential Calder aesthetic: balanced primary colors and anthropomorphic celestial bodies. While the palette remains vibrant, I observe significant cockling (waviness) across the paper plane. This indicates the print is loosely framed and has reacted to environmental humidity, which may necessitate professional flattening and a check for acidic mat burn or foxing underlying the frame edges. Market demand for Calder's graphic works remains consistently high, particularly for iconic motifs like the 'Soleil et Lune.' Similar color lithographs from the late 1960s to mid-1970s—often produced by Maeght or Arte Paris—regularly realize prices between $1,000 and $4,500 depending on signature status and edition size. The provided valuation reflects the current condition issues and the uncertainty regarding the signature. Crucially, from this digital examination, I cannot definitively confirm if the signature is hand-signed in graphite or integrated into the printing plate (printed signature). A hand-signed, numbered edition would sit at the higher end of the range, whereas a plate-signed poster or unlimited edition would fall significantly lower. Furthermore, authenticating Calder prints requires a physical inspection of the paper's watermark (such as Arches or Rives BFK) and a microscopic review of the ink layers to distinguish between an original lithograph and a high-quality offset reproductive print. To finalize this appraisal, I would require provenance documentation or a physical viewing to verify the paper's weight, texture, and the presence of any blindstamps from the publisher.