Marc Chagall Color Lithograph 'The Acrobat on a Horse' (L'Acrobate à Cheval)

This item is a framed color lithograph attributed to the renowned Belarusian-French artist Marc Chagall, likely dating from the mid-20th century (circa 1950s-1960s). The artwork depicts quintessential Chagall motifs, featuring a central figure of a rider on a horse, accompanied by a floating secondary figure reminiscent of a circus performer or angel. The composition is executed in a dreamlike, surrealist style with fluid black outlines and wash-like applications of primary colors, specifically reds and blues, against an off-white or cream-colored paper ground. Notable features include a visible signature in the lower right corner, though its authenticity as a hand-signed piece versus a plate-signed reproduction requires physical verification. The piece is housed in a contemporary silver-toned metallic frame with a neutral-colored mat that shows some minor age-related discoloration. The condition of the paper shows signs of light toning or yellowing, common for prints of this age. Some surface dust is visible under the glass, and there is a noticeable glare on the glazing in the photograph. The craftsmanship reflects the early-to-mid 20th-century printmaking tradition, utilizing lithographic techniques to achieve soft, painterly gradients and expressive line work typical of the 'School of Paris' style.

I have evaluated the framed color lithograph 'L’Acrobate à Cheval' attributed to Marc Chagall. Visually, the piece displays the characteristic visual language of the School of Paris, utilizing fluid lithographic washes and dreamlike composition. The condition of the paper shows moderate toning and mat-burn, suggesting it was not originally framed with archival, acid-free materials. The signature in the lower right appears consistent with Chagall’s hand, though the ink depth and paper watermarks cannot be verified through digital imagery. The market for Chagall prints remains robust, particularly for circus and equine motifs; however, value is dictated heavily by edition status. If this is a plate-signed reproduction from an edition like 'Le Cirque' or a Derrière le Miroir publication, the value sits at the lower end ($800–$1,200). If it is a hand-signed, numbered limited edition on Arches or Rives BFK paper, the value could exceed $5,000. For the purpose of this estimate, I am assuming this is a mid-tier signed lithograph with minor condition issues. Critically, this appraisal is subject to physical inspection. A definitive valuation requires removing the piece from the frame to inspect the verso for hinges or stamps, checking for a 'Maeght' watermark, and examining the signature under UV light and magnification to confirm the medium is graphite/crayon rather than printed ink. Provenance documentation or a Certificate of Authenticity from the Comité Marc Chagall would be necessary to reach the high-end market value.