AI Appraisal Estimate

This item consists of two original expressionist sketches contained within a spiral-bound sketchbook, attributed to the artist Jean Larry. The medium appears to be blue charcoal or oil pastel mixed with possible watercolor washes or graphite on white paper. The left-hand panel depicts a stylized human figure interacting with a large glass bottle or vessel, accompanied by falling droplets and a house-like shape in the background. The right-hand panel shows a collection of abstracted cylindrical or horn-like forms and a central bicep-like organic shape against a geometric, brick-like grid. Both pieces feature heavy, expressive line work and a monochromatic blue-toned color palette with subtle red highlights on the left page. The sketchbook is approximately 12-14 inches wide when open, based on the adjacent T-square ruler. The paper shows slight yellowing, foxing, and minor corner wear consistent with a 20th-century contemporary artwork. The artist's signature or initials appear in the bottom right corner of the left-side illustration. The craftsmanship demonstrates a confident, gestural hand and a focus on surrealist motifs. Condition is fair to good, with some visible smudging characteristic of charcoal/pastel mediums and edge curling on the spiral binding side.

I have virtually examined this pair of mixed media sketches attributed to Jean Larry. The works exhibit the hallmarks of Mid-Century Expressionism, utilizing a confident, gestural application of blue charcoal and wash. The condition is fair to good; while the smudging and corner wear are consistent with the medium and age, the foxing and edge curling on the sketchbook paper slightly detract from the display value. The 'Scratches' series motif is indicative of Larry’s interest in surrealist form and geometric tension. The market for 20th-century American mixed media sketches currently shows moderate demand. Comparables for original sketchbook pages by similar contemporary artists typically sell within the mid-hundreds at auction, though the value increases significantly if they are part of a documented, complete series. The monochromatic palette limits the decorative appeal compared to Larry's bolder oil works, but the raw, process-driven nature of these sketches appeals to a specific subset of collectors interested in the artist’s developmental hand. Critically, this appraisal is based on photographic evidence. Absolute verification of authenticity cannot be confirmed without physical inspection. To finalize the valuation and ensure no forgery or reproductive print techniques are present, I recommend a physical examination to check for paper watermarks and ink penetration. Furthermore, provenance documentation—such as a gallery receipt or a direct lineage of ownership—would be necessary to command the higher end of the valuation range. Scientific testing of the binder materials and paper acidity could further narrow the production date.