The Big Steal - Photographic Print by Art Kane Appraisal
Category: Photographic Print
Description
A framed black and white photographic print by Art Kane, titled 'The Big Steal'. The image, originally created for Esquire magazine in 1970 and copyrighted in the same year by Art Kane, depicts a stylized, staged scene of 1930s-era gangsters with a vintage car. The print is marked 'Photographed by ART KANE'. Additional details for this specific item identify it with the numbers '15011/21123'.
Appraisal Report
This item is a framed black and white photographic print titled 'The Big Steal,' by the renowned American photographer Art Kane (1925-1995). Originally published in Esquire magazine in 1970, the photograph is a stylized composition featuring men in gangster attire of the 1930s, posed with a vintage car and prop firearms. The print is explicitly credited 'Photographed by ART KANE' as visible on the item. The provided details indicate this specific print is identified by '15011/21123', which suggests it is print number 15011 from a large series or edition, potentially numbering 21,123 in total. While Art Kane's vintage, signed, limited-edition silver gelatin prints command significant prices (often in the thousands of dollars), a print from such a large, likely unsigned, edition (possibly a photolithograph or high-quality poster) would be valued considerably lower. Its value lies in its connection to a famous photographer and its decorative appeal. The provided appraisal range reflects its likely status as a collectible but widely distributed print. Condition, as observable from the photograph, appears to be good, and the item is framed, which adds modest value. Stronger provenance or details regarding the printing process (e.g., vintage print, type of paper, signature) would be needed for a more precise valuation and could increase the value significantly if it were a rarer variant.
Appraisal Value
$150 - $400