AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a limited edition, hand-signed lithograph or serigraph by the contemporary French artist Guy Dessapt, titled in a manner typical of his 'Parisian Storefronts' series. The artwork depicts a highly detailed street view featuring a 'Tailleur' (Tailor) and an 'Antiquités' (Antique) shop. The composition is rich in architectural detail, showcasing weathering on the stone walls, a classic Parisian balcony with trailing vines, and vintage advertising for 'Biscuits Lefèvre-Utile' (LU) above the shops. The color palette utilizes muted earth tones, deep purples, and blues, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The print is numbered '109/200' in the lower left corner and bears the artist's distinctive graphite signature in the lower right. It is housed in an upscale presentation featuring a triple-matted design with a gold inner fillet and a wide, dark mahogany-finished wooden frame with a subtle cove profile. The craftsmanship of the framing suggests professional gallery origins. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, light damage, or rippling to the paper. The frame shows minor handling wear but retains its lustrous finish. The style is late 20th-century impressionistic realism.

I have conducted a visual inspection of this numbered print by Guy Dessapt. Subjectively, the work is a hallmark of his 'Parisian Storefronts' series, displaying the impressionistic realism and dense architectural detail for which he is known. The limited edition of 200 is a standard production run for the artist, and the specific numbering (109/200) alongside the graphite signature appears consistent with known authentic examples. The condition is excellent; the paper lacks discoloration or 'waving,' and the high-end triple-matting with a gold fillet indicates significant investment in preservation, which adds to its marketability. The primary value drivers are the artist's popularity in the commercial gallery market and the ready-to-hang state. Comparables for Dessapt prints of this size and edition often hammer between $450 and $700 at auction, though the professional framing easily pushes the retail replacement value toward the $900 mark. Demand for Dessapt remains steady among collectors of nostalgic European scenes. However, this appraisal is based on photographic evidence only. To fully verify authenticity, a physical inspection is required to confirm the printing technique (e.g., individual color layers and ink build-up characteristic of serigraphy) and to check the verso for gallery labels or a Certificate of Authenticity. I would also need to examine the paper for specific watermarks or dry stamps. Without removing the work from the frame, I cannot assess the condition of the paper edges or the type of mounting used, which could impact long-term value if non-archival materials were involved.