AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is an original color lithograph titled 'Vertical Flags' by the renowned American sculptor and artist Alexander Calder (1898-1976). This specific piece is an Artist Proof (AP), which is a print produced outside of the regular numbered edition for the artist's personal use or evaluation. The composition features Calder's iconic visual vocabulary, utilizing a palette of primary colors—red, yellow, and blue—alongside bold black linework against a cream-colored woven paper background. On the left, a series of loopy, vine-like black lines support organic shapes in red, yellow, and black. The right side features a vertical 'flagpole' element with red and yellow triangles and blue and red circles. The work is signed 'Calder' in pencil in the lower right corner. The print is housed under glass in a simple, thin gold-toned metal frame with a neutral mat. Visible condition issues include some light aging to the paper and potential minor rippling, which is common for works of this age (circa 1960s-1970s). The colors remain vibrant, and the signature appears clear. Such works from the mid-century modern period reflect the playful, kinetic energy found in Calder's famous mobile sculptures.

I have conducted a visual examination of the color lithograph 'Vertical Flags' attributed to Alexander Calder. As an Artist Proof, this work occupies a desirable segment of the market, typically reserved for the artist’s personal archives or associates. The composition is classic Calder, utilizing primary colors and geometric forms that mirror his kinetic mobiles. The pencil signature in the lower right appears consistent with known examples from the 1960s and 70s. The vibrant ink saturation suggests it has been shielded from significant UV exposure, though the visible rippling indicates it is not currently under archival tension, and the non-archival gold-toned frame may be acidic. The market for Calder prints remains robust, with high demand for large-scale, colorful lithographs that epitomize Mid-Century Modernism. Similar AP examples from this period have recently realized prices between $4,500 and $5,500 at major auction houses. However, a definitive valuation is contingent upon verifying the paper's watermark (likely Arches or Rives BFK) and confirming the absence of light staining under the matting. This appraisal is a visual estimation only. For full authentication, I recommend a physical inspection by a Calder specialist to verify paper texture and ink absorption. A review of provenance, such as an original gallery invoice or inclusion in a Catalogue Raisonné, would be necessary to establish a permanent record of authenticity. Without physical access, I cannot detect sophisticated forgeries or modern high-resolution reproductions.