AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a limited edition color etching or lithograph titled 'Under Grapes' by the prominent American artist Andrew V. Stevovich, dated 1992. The print depicts a stylized figure reclining among blades of grass, gazing upward at lush, heavy clusters of purple grapes hanging from a vine with vibrant green leaves. The artwork is characterized by Stevovich's signature style: smooth, precise line work, a flattened perspective, and a sense of enigmatic stillness reminiscent of Renaissance masters filtered through an Art Deco or modernist lens. The color palette is rich and saturated, featuring deep purples, earthy greens, and warm terracotta flesh tones against a dark background that provides heavy contrast. The print is numbered '9/100' on the lower left, titled 'Under Grapes' in the center, and pencil-signed 'Andrew V. Stevovich 1992' on the lower right of the margin. The work is executed on heavy cream-colored paper exhibiting a visible plate mark, indicating an intaglio process likely combined with aquatint to achieve the smooth tonal gradients in the skin and sky. There are minor signs of handling and slight foxing/spotting visible in the white margins, but the central image appears well-preserved with vibrant color retention and no visible tears or creases.

Based on my visual examination of 'Under Grapes' (1992), this work is a quintessential example of Andrew V. Stevovich’s meticulous intaglio technique. The print, numbered 9/100, displays the artist’s characteristic stylized figurative work and clean lineation. The central image remains vibrant with excellent color saturation in the purples and greens, which is critical for Stevovich’s market value. I observed minor foxing in the margins; while this does not affect the image area, it necessitates professional conservation to prevent further spread and slightly tempers the valuation. The market for Stevovich remains robust, particularly for mid-sized editions from the 1990s which are favored by collectors of Modern Realism. Comparables for signed, limited editions of this scale typically realize between $1,000 and $2,000 at specialized fine art auctions. The rarity is moderate, as an edition of 100 provides enough scarcity to maintain value without being inaccessible. Limitations: This appraisal is based on digital imagery. While the signature and plate mark appear consistent with known examples, I cannot definitively verify the ink depth, paper weight, or acidity levels without a physical inspection. Partial visibility of the margins prevents a full assessment of potential hinge damage or mounting residues. A full authentication would require removing the work from its frame to inspect the verso for watermarks, verifying provenance through a gallery of record (such as Adelson Galleries), and confirming the absence of light-struck fading under UV light.