AI Appraisal Estimate

This item is a vibrant serigraph by the renowned American expressionist artist LeRoy Neiman, dated to 1974. The piece captures a kinematic scene from the 1974 Rose Bowl game between Ohio State and USC. It is characterized by Neiman's signature style featuring brilliant, saturated colors and energetic, staccato brushwork that creates a sense of motion and excitement. The palette is dominated by intense reds, yellows, greens, and purples, reflecting the crowded stadium and the players in action near the goalposts. A scoreboard is visible in the background, anchoring the specific historical context of the matchup. The artwork is personally hand-signed by LeRoy Neiman in pencil in the lower right margin and includes a notation in the lower left, possibly indicating its status as a printer's proof (P.P. XL). The print is professionally housed in an ornate, metallic-finished gilded frame with beaded detailing along the inner lip and is protected by a wide, olive-toned mat. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, fading, or paper waviness, though it has not been examined out of the frame. The high-quality silk-screen technique is evident in the thick layering of color, a hallmark of Neiman's mid-70s output.

Based on my visual examination of the 1974 LeRoy Neiman 'The Rose Bowl' serigraph, this piece represents a high-water mark for the artist's sports-themed printmaking. The work captures the iconic Ohio State vs. USC matchup with the chromatic intensity and kinetic energy typical of Neiman’s peak period. The 'P.P.' (Printer’s Proof) designation adds a layer of rarity and desirability for collectors compared to standard numbered editions. The condition appears exceptional; the colors remain saturated without visible UV degradation, and the registration of the silkscreen layers is crisp. The market for Neiman remains robust, particularly for historically significant sporting events. Comparable sales for large-scale, signed Neiman serigraphs from the 1970s in premium framing generally fall within the $4,000 to $7,000 range, especially those involving legendary collegiate rivalries. However, a definitive valuation and guarantee of authenticity are limited by the digital nature of this inspection. While the pencil signature and 'P.P.' notation appear consistent with known examples of Neiman’s hand, a physical inspection is required to verify the presence of the deckle edge, paper watermark, and to ensure the ink is indeed pulled through a screen rather than a high-quality giclee reproduction. I would recommend reviewing a Certificate of Authenticity or original gallery invoice to solidify provenance. Furthermore, an examination outside of the frame is necessary to confirm the absence of acidic tape or hidden foxing on the sheet's reverse.