AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vibrant limited edition color lithograph by the renowned French artist Marcel Mouly (1918–2008). The artwork features a Fauvist-influenced still life composition, showcasing a tall teal pitcher and a rounded yellow and black teapot set against a cubist-inspired background of bold geometric planes. The color palette is exceptionally rich, utilizing saturated shades of orange, crimson, cobalt blue, and canary yellow, balanced by stark black vertical elements. The piece demonstrates Mouly's characteristic synthesis of Cubism and Fauvism, often referred to as 'Lyrical Cubism.' Physically, the print is hand-signed by the artist in the lower right margin and numbered in the lower left margin as '185/300,' indicating it is part of a limited run of 300 impressions. The lithograph is presented under glass in a classic metallic-finished frame with a white overmantel. Regarding condition, the colors appear remarkably well-preserved with little visible fading, though there is a noticeable reflection on the glass surface in the photograph. The margins appear clean, and the framing appears intact with minor potential shelf wear to the edges. Mouly's work is significant for bridging Mid-Century Modern aesthetics with the traditions of the School of Paris, making this a highly collectible example of late 20th-century European printmaking.

I have carefully examined the digital representation of this color lithograph by Marcel Mouly. The work is a quintessentially 'Lyrical Cubist' composition, exhibiting the vibrant, saturated palette and geometric structuralism that define Mouly’s post-war School of Paris style. Based on visual inspection, the signature and numbering (185/300) appear consistent with known authentic examples. The ink saturation remains high, suggesting minimal UV damage, though the presence of the metallic frame and non-archival matting necessitates a closer look at the paper's acidity levels. The market for Mouly remains steady among collectors of Mid-Century Modern and late 20th-century European prints. Recent auction results for similarly sized, color-saturated still life lithographs from editions of 300 typically fall within the $600 to $1,500 range, depending on the framing quality and specific subject matter. The 'Teal Pitcher and Yellow Teapot' is a highly desirable subject as it encapsulates his most sought-after aesthetic. Value is strengthened by the artist's hand-signature and the relatively low edition number for a commercial lithograph. However, without a physical inspection, I cannot confirm the presence of a watermark (such as Arches or BFK Rives) or examine the verso for foxing or previous tape residue. Full authentication would require removing the piece from the frame to inspect the paper's edge, verifying the 'blind stamp' if applicable, and reviewing a Provenance or Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable gallery. While the image suggests a well-maintained piece, the final valuation assumes the paper is free of thinning or acid-burn from the current mounting materials.