Existence Unknown
Limited edition print (Lithograph or Serigraph) on paper • Katja Oxman (American, born Germany 1942)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / New Realism with influences of Post-Impressionist still life composition
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or silkscreen with saturated pigments, featuring flat areas of color contrasted with detailed patterns and shadows
Creation Period
1991
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (image size); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A complex still life arrangement featuring an patterned Oriental-style rug, lemons, an eggplant, a potted orchid, a matchbox, and various postcards including one of a flamingo. The composition uses a bird's-eye view, creating a shallow, flattened space layered with personal artifacts and natural objects.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears well-preserved within the frame, with colors remaining vibrant despite potential light exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a gallery or print dealer contemporary to its 1991 creation; numbered 23/150 in the lower center margin.
Art Historical Significance
Oxman is known for her mastery of complex aquatint and printmaking techniques. Her work reflects a modern continuation of the 'trompe l'oeil' and 'vanitas' traditions, emphasizing the quiet beauty of domestic interiors and collected ephemera.
Notable Features
Hand-signed and dated '1991' in the lower right; titled 'Existence Unknown' in the lower left; editioned '23/150' in the center margin. Features a prominent postcard after John James Audubon's flamingo.
Condition Issues
Visible reflection on glass indicates surface glare but no structural damage. Slight evidence of potential paper undulation or minor yellowing in margins may be present upon closer physical inspection.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend re-framing with museum-grade UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting to prevent fading and acid burn. Monitor humidity to avoid foxing.