Abstract Painting on Paper MCM Style Appraisal
Category: Painting
Description
This is an abstract painting on paper attributed to the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) period. The artwork features bold, simplified forms and a limited color palette of red, yellow, blue, brown, and black against a white background. Dominant shapes include red circles, a large yellow form with blue accents, and black linear elements resembling stylized figures or characters, including the letters 'J' and 'L'. A horizontal brown line adds a grounding element. The painting exhibits a signature in black ink in the lower right corner, though it is difficult to decipher from the image provided. The style is reminiscent of mid-20th-century avant-garde art, possibly influenced by artists like Joan Miró due to the use of biomorphic shapes and primary colors. The paper appears to be slightly discolored with age, but no significant damage like tears or creases are clearly visible. The paint application appears to be relatively thin, suggesting possibly oil or acrylic medium. The piece is framed under glass in a gold-toned wooden frame with a textured, slightly ornate profile and a black mat. The frame exhibits some minor wear consistent with age, but overall seems intact. The size is stated as 16x20 inches, which is a standard size for this type of artwork. The overall impression is one of a vibrant, playful, and characteristic example of mid-century abstract art.
Appraisal Report
Based on my examination of the provided images and details, this abstract oil painting on paper is a fine example of the Mid-Century Modern (MCM) aesthetic. The composition, characterized by its playful biomorphic forms, bold primary color palette, and stylized linear elements, is strongly reminiscent of the School of Paris and artists like Joan Miró. The size of 16x20 inches is typical for works on paper from this era. The paper shows slight, even age-related discoloration consistent with a mid-20th-century piece, but appears free of major condition issues such as tears or foxing. The vintage frame, while showing minor wear, is appropriate for the period and generally in good condition. The market for unsigned or unattributed MCM abstract art is active. Works of similar style, period, and condition typically sell in the range of several hundred to over a thousand dollars, depending on visual appeal and quality. The indecipherable signature is a key factor; if it could be identified as a listed artist, the value could increase significantly. However, without a clear attribution, I must appraise it as a decorative work by an unknown but skilled artist. A significant limitation of this appraisal is its reliance on digital images. Positive identification of the signature, confirmation of the medium, and a thorough condition assessment of the paper's integrity require in-person examination. Full authentication would necessitate provenance research and potentially expert consultation on the signature. This appraisal is contingent upon the work being a genuine mid-century painting.
Appraisal Value
$400 - $600