Ed Mell 'Purple Iris' Signed Lithograph, Number 200

This is a significant lithographic print by the renowned Arizona artist Ed Mell, specifically piece number 200 from a limited edition series. The artwork features a highly stylized, large-scale depiction of an iris against a deep, dark ground. True to Mell's signature 'modernist-meets-desert' aesthetic, the flower is rendered with sharp, angular planes and geometric facets that emphasize form and shadow. The color palette is rich, utilizing vibrant purples, violets, and stark whites for the petals, contrasted with a warm yellow and green stem. The construction involves ink on high-quality paper, professionally housed in a minimalist, rectangular black frame with a clean-cut white mat that provides ample negative space around the image. Based on the artist's career trajectory, this piece likely dates from the late 20th to early 21st century. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible signs of foxing, fading, or moisture damage, although the plexiglass or glass shows minor reflections from the photography environment. The craftsmanship is evident in the precise color transitions and technical layering characteristic of Mell's floral series, making it a desirable example of Southwestern contemporary art.