AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a limited edition serigraph (fine art silkscreen print) by the renowned artist Ken Auster, depicting the legendary surfer Greg Noll standing on the shore at Pipeline with his iconic longboard. The piece is a 'Printer's Proof' or specific small-batch edition, numbered 13/50 in the lower left margin. This particular work is double-signed: once by the artist Ken Auster (1949–2016) in the lower right, and once by the subject, surfing icon Greg 'Da Bull' Noll, in the center margin. The composition features high-contrast blues and whites, capturing a towering wave cresting behind Noll, who is wearing his signature black-and-white striped board shorts. The print is professionally housed in a light-toned natural wood frame with a double mat using archival-quality materials, including a white top mat and a thin blue inner mat that echoes the colors of the ocean. The physical construction appears sturdy. The serigraph shows a high level of craftsmanship with clean color saturation characteristic of Auster’s surf-inspired impressionism. Condition-wise, the artwork appears well-preserved behind glass with no visible foxing, fading, or moisture damage. The frame exhibits minor surface wear consistent with display but remains structurally sound. This piece represents a significant cross-over of surf history and contemporary coastal art, dating likely to the late 20th or early 21st century.

I have virtually examined this limited edition serigraph (13/50) by Ken Auster, featuring legendary surfer Greg Noll. The condition appears to be Excellent. The print exhibits vibrant color saturation and crisp edges, indicating the paper has been well-protected from UV exposure. The professional double-matting and archival framing significantly enhance its aesthetic and market appeal. The rarity of this piece is high; Ken Auster’s surf-impressionist works are highly collected following his passing in 2016, and the dual signature—both by the artist and the subject, Greg Noll—adds substantial value to the 'cross-over' market of fine art and sports memorabilia. Comparables for single-signed Auster serigraphs typically range from $1,200 to $1,800, but the addition of Noll’s signature and the low edition number (13/50) creates a premium. The market for vintage surf culture remains robust, particularly for iconic imagery like the 'Da Bull' Pipeline shot. Limitations of this appraisal: This valuation is based solely on digital images and descriptions. I cannot definitively verify the ink chemistry of the signatures or the acidity of the non-visible backing materials without a physical inspection. For full authentication, I recommend confirming provenance (e.g., a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity) and conducting a close-up examination under a loupe to ensure no hidden foxing or insect damage exists beneath the mat. Scientific ink analysis would be required to provide 100% certainty of the signatures' authenticity, though they appear consistent with known examples from both men.