Framed Lithograph 'Reclining Figure' by Jean Jansem

This item is a framed lithograph depicting a reclining female figure, likely produced in the mid-to-late 20th century. The artwork itself shows a woman with dark hair and a pale complexion, dressed in a light green striped garment, reclining on what appears to be a teal or dark blue couch or daybed. Her left arm supports her head, while her right arm rests on her body. The background is rendered in broad strokes of dark teal and red, suggesting an interior space with possibly a window or architectural elements. The color palette is vibrant yet somewhat subdued, utilizing greens, reds, a pale yellow for the floor, and black for the hair and outlines. The style is somewhat expressionistic or modernist, characterized by strong outlines and simplified forms. A clear signature is visible in the lower left corner, reading 'Jansem' followed by '52', indicating the artist Jean Jansem and potentially the year 1952, which would place it in the mid-20th century. The lithograph is housed in a simple, flat-profile white wooden frame, which appears to be a common contemporary framing choice. A light-colored mat board, possibly off-white or cream, separates the print from the frame. The frame shows some minor wear, particularly a small scuff mark or chip visible on the bottom edge. There also appears to be some reflection on the protective glazing (likely glass or acrylic) which suggests the surface is intact. The overall condition of the print within the frame appears good, with no obvious major damage or discoloration visible through the glazing. The craftmanship of the lithograph itself appears to be of good quality, typical of artist prints of that era. The print exudes a calm and contemplative mood.

Based on my visual examination of the provided image, this appears to be a framed lithograph titled 'Reclining Figure' by Jean Jansem, signed 'Jansem 52'. The style is consistent with Jansem's expressionistic work from the mid-20th century. The print's colors are vibrant, and the visible surface of the lithograph appears to be in good condition, showing no significant discoloration or damage, although reflections on the glazing make full assessment challenging. The simple white frame and mat are contemporary choices and present the artwork well. While the frame has a minor scuff, this does not significantly detract from the overall presentation or value of the artwork itself. Jean Jansem is a recognized artist, and original signed lithographs from this period generally hold a stable market value. Comparables for Jansem's signed lithographs of similar size and subject matter typically fall within the $400-$800 range, depending on rarity, edition size (which is not visible here), and condition. The '52' next to the signature is likely a date, placing it within his active period, which is desirable. Demand for Jansem's figurative works remains consistent among collectors of 20th-century figurative art. Factors impacting value positively include the clear signature and apparent good condition of the print. The main limitation in this appraisal is the reliance on images alone. I cannot definitively verify the authenticity of the signature or the print Medium (e.g., that it is indeed a lithograph and not a reproduction) without an in-person examination. Physical inspection would also allow for a thorough condition assessment, including potential acid burn from the mat, foxing, or creasing invisible through the glazing. For full authentication, I would recommend examining the paper quality, looking for a plate mark (if applicable to this printing process), and comparing the signature against known examples. Documentation of provenance, such as purchase receipts or exhibition history, would also significantly aid in authentication and value assessment.