Zero in the World (also known as Profile with Rainbow Background)
Limited edition print (serigraph) on heavy wove paper • Peter Max (American-German, b. 1937)
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Psychedelic Art
Medium & Technique
Color serigraph (silkscreen) featuring saturated pigments and hand-draw aesthetic over a rainbow-gradient field
Creation Period
Circa 1970s–1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 40 inches (image); Landscape format
Subject Description
A classic Peter Max composition featuring a profile and abstract floating shapes. The piece utilizes a vibrant 'rainbow' background transition, bold gestural line work in primary and secondary colors, and surrealist-inspired elements typical of his Cosmic 60s era evolution.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with minimal fading, though there is a reflection and potential slight rippling under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$1,000 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or specialized Peter Max distributor. Note the 'XX/100' style editioning visible in the lower left corner and signature in the lower right.
Art Historical Significance
Peter Max is a central figure in the 1960s psychedelic art movement. This work represents his transition into a more gestural, painterly style while maintaining the vibrant color palette that made him a household name during the Pop Art era.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in the lower right; numbered edition in the lower left. The work features a distinctive layered color technique where the line-work acts as a frame for internal color blocks.
Condition Issues
Visible reflection from the glass indicates current display conditions aren't ideal for photography; potential for light acidity from non-archival matting or slight paper waves due to humidity.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-protective glass and acid-free matting. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent the fugitive fluorescent pigments from fading.