AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a limited edition woodcut or linocut print by the notable French-Mexican artist Jean Charlot (1898–1979). The artwork depicts a stylized male figure playing a conga or tall drum, rendered in a bold, modernist aesthetic characteristic of Charlot’s work. The palette is minimalist, featuring a rich burnt umber or dark cocoa brown ink printed onto a warm, buff-colored paper. The composition uses thick, blocky lines and negative space to define the drummer's form and the geometric patterns on the drum. In the lower left corner, there is a hand-written edition number, appearing to be '44/500', and in the lower right, the artist's signature 'Jean Charlot' is visible in pencil. The print itself contains the artist's monogram 'JC' integrated into the block at the bottom edges. Physically, the print is housed in a professional frame with a neutral linen-textured mat. Condition-wise, the paper shows slight toning consistent with age, though the ink remains saturated. There are reflections on the glass, but the print surface appears stable without visible foxing or water damage. The style suggests a mid-20th-century production, likely influenced by the artist's time in Hawaii or Mexico, showcasing his signature fusion of Indigenous themes with modern abstraction.

Based on my visual examination of this woodcut print, I identify it as a characteristic work by Jean Charlot (1898–1979), titled 'The Drummer' (or similar variant). The work is signed in pencil 'Jean Charlot' and numbered '44/500,' consistent with his known late-career print runs, often produced during his time in Hawaii. The stylistic execution—bold, modernist lines depicting an indigenous subject—aligns perfectly with Charlot’s synthesis of Cubism and Mexican Muralism. Condition appears stable; the tonal warmth of the paper suggests mild age-related toning, which is acceptable for prints of this vintage. The ink remains robust and saturated. The mounting includes a linen-textured mat, a quality choice that enhances presentation, though I cannot confirm if archival, acid-free materials were used without disassembling the frame. Crucially, while the signature and 'JC' monogram appear visually correct, definitive authentication requires physical inspection to verify the graphite application and paper watermark. Market data for Charlot's prints from edition sizes of 500 typically show realized auction prices between $300 and $550, with retail gallery prices slightly higher. While Charlot is highly collectible, particularly in Hawaii and California markets, the relatively large edition size (500) moderates the value compared to his rarer, earlier Mexican-period prints. Consequently, I place the fair market value in the $400–$600 range. To fully certify this appraisal, I would require provenance documentation and an unframed inspection to check for hidden foxing or adhesive damage.