Signed and Thumb-Stamped Arturo Di Modica 'Charging Bull' Lithographic Print

This framed art piece is a monochrome lithographic print featuring the iconic 'Charging Bull' (Wall Street Bull) by the renowned Italian-American sculptor Arturo Di Modica. The print depicts the bull in a high-contrast style, utilizing bold black ink on a bright white paper substrate. A highly significant feature of this piece is located in the lower-right margin, where the artist has provided a hand-signed signature in ink alongside a reddish-pink thumbprint stamp, a known authenticating mark used by Di Modica for limited edition materials. The inscription next to the signature reads 'NY 2003,' indicating the location and year of the signing, while a copyright smaller text '© 1998 Arturo Di Modica' is visible directly beneath the bull's rear legs. The print is housed in a contemporary, minimalist flat-profile black frame. The paper appears centered and well-preserved within the frame, with no visible signs of foxing, water damage, or significant fading. The craftsmanship reflects an authentic artist-distributed commemorative piece, likely produced for high-level collectors or associates following the global success of his bronze sculpture in Lower Manhattan. The presence of the physical thumbprint and graphite signature significantly elevates the rarity and collectibility of the item compared to unsigned mass productions.

Based on my visual analysis, this lithograph represents a highly desirable artifact tied to Arturo Di Modica’s 'Charging Bull.' The presence of the thumb-stamp and hand-signature dated 'NY 2003' is critical; Di Modica famously used his fingerprint as a security measure to thwart unauthorized reproductions, significantly elevating this from a mere print to a verified artist-sanctioned edition. The monochrome contrast is sharp, and the paper conservation appears excellent, showing no evidence of UV-induced yellowing or humidity-related cockling. The market for 'Charging Bull' memorabilia remains robust due to its status as a global symbol of financial optimism. While mass-produced posters hold negligible value, signed and fingerprinted editions from the early 2000s are rare. Recent auction results for similar hand-authenticated Di Modica prints have seen a steady climb as his estate’s oversight tightened following his passing in 2021. The 2003 dating suggests this was part of a limited distribution during the peak of his New York residency. However, a definitive valuation is subject to several limitations. From digital images, I cannot verify the ink's absorption into the paper fibers or the tactile texture of the thumbprint. A full professional authentication would require an in-person examination under UV light and magnification to confirm the signature isn't a mechanical facsimile. I would also recommend seeking a Provenance Statement or original Gallery Receipt to solidify its chain of custody. Without physical inspection or a certificate of authenticity (COA) from the artist’s estate, this value serves as an estimated fair market range for an authentic example.