AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a limited edition lithographic print featuring a portrait of iconic actress Marlene Dietrich, created by the renowned German actor and artist Armin Mueller-Stahl. The artwork is executed in a gestural, expressionistic style on white heavy-stock paper. The color palette is primarily monochromatic, using black and various shades of grey wash, accented by a deep burgundy or oxblood red wash in the background to the left of the figure. The subject is depicted wearing a top hat and having a cigarette in her mouth, referencing her famous role in 'The Blue Angel.' The application of ink is vigorous, featuring both fine pen-like lines and broad, atmospheric washes. Notably, the piece includes a hand-written name 'marlene dietrich' within the lower-right field of the image itself. Below the image plate on the white margin, the work is hand-signed by the artist in the lower right as 'Mueller-Stahl.' In the lower-left margin, it is hand-numbered '1/180,' indicating this is the first pull from a limited edition series of 180 prints. The condition appears excellent with clean margins and no visible signs of foxing, creasing, or fading. The style suggests a contemporary production, likely from the late 20th or early 21st century. The craftsmanship reflects the artist's signature loose, evocative technique which captures personality over precise realism.

I have carefully examined the digital documentation of this lithographic print of Marlene Dietrich by Armin Mueller-Stahl. The work demonstrates the artist’s characteristic gestural expressionism, utilizing a monochromatic palette with a distinct oxblood wash. As number 1/180, this piece holds a premium position as the 'first pull,' which is highly desirable for collectors. Based on my visual inspection, the item is in excellent condition; there is no evidence of margin tanning, foxing, or environmental degradation. The ink saturation remains crisp, particularly in the fine pen-like details of the cigarette and hat. Mueller-Stahl’s market is robust in Germany and among cinema enthusiasts, with his portraits of Hollywood icons consistently outperforming his landscapes. This particular subject—Dietrich in 'The Blue Angel' attire—is among his most iconic and commercially viable motifs. Comparables for signed, low-edition lithographs by this artist typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on the subject matter and edition number. While the signature and numbering appear consistent with known benchmarks of Mueller-Stahl’s hand, this appraisal is based on image analysis alone. Full authentication requires an in-person examination to verify the paper’s watermark, the presence of the lithographical limestone grain, and tactile confirmation of the ink-to-paper bond. I would also recommend reviewing the original Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable gallery, such as Kunsthaus Westphal, to verify the exact year of publication and provenance. Without physical testing of the paper's acidity and weight, this assessment serves as a market estimate for insurance or replacement purposes.