Graciela Rodo Boulanger 'Le Rugby' Framed Lithograph

This is an original limited edition lithograph by the renowned Bolivian artist Graciela Rodo Boulanger, likely from her sports series. The artwork depicts a group of stylized rugby players in a dynamic, dense scrum, rendered in her signature whimsical and innocent style. The piece features a rich palette of primary and secondary colors including blues, reds, yellows, and greens, set against a dark, textured background that provides high contrast. The figures are characterized by their rounded, childlike forms and patterned uniforms. Technically, the work shows excellent use of lithographic layering to create texture and depth. It is pencil-signed by the artist in the lower right margin and includes an edition number in the lower left (appearing to be 184/200). The artwork is professionally framed with a dual-tone frame consisting of a dark outer border and a wood-tone inner edge, complemented by a textured linen-style mat and a thin inner dark fillet. The condition appears good with vibrant colors preserved, though there is a visible circular light reflection on the glass in the image. No significant foxing or water damage is apparent on the paper. This style is consistent with Boulanger's popular works from the 1970s and 1980s, which are highly collectible for their joyful interpretation of human activity and distinctive South American modernism influence.

I have conducted a visual examination of the featured lithograph, 'Le Rugby', by Graciela Rodo Boulanger. This particular piece represents the artist’s mid-career period, where her depictions of childhood innocence collided with global motifs like sports. The print displays the hallmarks of a genuine Boulanger: the rounded, stylized figures, rich textural layering idiosyncratic to her lithographic process, and the specific application of a dark, mottled background to emphasize the vibrant pigments of the jerseys. Technically, the lithograph appears to be in excellent condition. The colors remain saturated with no visible fading, suggesting it has been kept out of direct UV light. The linen matting and fillet indicate a high-level professional framing, which typically preserves the paper's integrity. Authenticity is supported by the graphite signature and edition numbering (184/200), which match known examples of her hand. Market demand for Boulanger remains steady among collectors of 20th-century figurative modernism, particularly for her sports-themed series which often fetch a premium over her more common floral or musical subjects. However, there are limitations to an appraisal based on digital imagery. For a firm authentication, I would require an in-person inspection to verify the paper's watermark (often Arches or Rives BFK) and to examine the verso for any signs of hidden acid damage or previous mounting techniques. Furthermore, while the signature appears consistent, scientific testing of the ink and a review of the provenance (chain of ownership) or a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from the original gallery would be necessary to exclude a high-quality facsimile. The current valuation reflects a retail replacement value in a gallery setting.