Mogens Balle Abstract Composition Lithograph (1979)

This is an original color lithograph by the acclaimed Danish artist Mogens Balle, dated to 1979. Balle was a significant figure in the CoBrA movement, and this work exemplifies his style with organic, zoomorphic shapes and an expressive, spontaneous application of color. The composition features a vibrant palette of mustard yellows, deep greens, and blacks, creating a sense of mythical underworld entities common in Northern European modernism. The piece is hand-signed by the artist in the lower right corner, followed by the date '79' in pencil. It is housed under glass in a contemporary polished chrome or silver-toned metal frame with a clean white mat board. The print exhibits the textured, multi-layered quality characteristic of stone or plate lithography, showing subtle speckling in the tonal areas. Physically, the paper appears stable, though there is visible light tan toning or 'mat burn' along the edges where the paper meets the matting, suggesting acidic contact over time. The frame is in good condition with a high-luster finish. The craftsmanship reflects Balle's mature period, where he masterfully balanced chaotic abstraction with balanced color fields, making it a definitive example of late 20th-century Danish abstract art.

Based on a visual examination of the submitted images, this is an original color lithograph by the notable Danish CoBrA artist Mogens Balle, hand-signed and dated 1979 in pencil. The work displays the characteristic 'managed chaos' of the CoBrA aesthetic, featuring spontaneous, organic forms in a palette of mustard yellow and green. Having examined the signature and date '79', the graphite appears consistent with Balle's known autograph from this period, suggesting authenticity. Condition is a critical factor here; while the central image appears vibrant, I have noted distinct 'mat burn'—a light browning along the aperture edges where the paper meets the matting—indicating past contact with acidic framing materials. This mild toning slightly diminishes the value compared to a pristine sheet. Mogens Balle's market is steady but generally lower-priced than his more famous CoBrA contemporaries like Asger Jorn or Karel Appel. Prints from his later period (late 1970s) are relatively abundant. Recent auction results for signed Balle lithographs from this era typically hammer between $100 and $300, with retail gallery prices reaching slightly higher ($400-$600) for pieces in perfect condition. The chrome frame is a nice addition but adds minimal intrinsic value. To provide a definitive authentication, I would need to physically inspect the paper for watermarks (often Arches or Rives) and examine the surface under magnification to confirm the lithographic ink texture versus a digital reproduction. Additionally, unframing the work to assess the full margins for further discoloration or hidden tears would be necessary for a full conservation report.