Vase with Flower (Still Life)
Limited edition print (lithograph or etching with hand-coloring) on heavy paper stock. • Peter Max (German-American, b. 1937)
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Neo-Expressionism / Psychedelic Art
Medium & Technique
Multi-colored print likely utilizing lithography, enhanced with hand-drawn elements in colored pencil or crayon. The piece features bold black outlines, soft blended color gradients, and the artist's signature 'cosmic' color palette.
Creation Period
The work is dated '81' (1981) in the inscription and '87' in the dedication, placing its creation and distribution in the 1980s.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 10 x 10 inches; paper size approximately 14 x 14 inches. Square format presented in a portrait-oriented frame.
Subject Description
A stylized still life featuring a bulbous, anthropomorphic-leaning vase resting on a tiled surface. A single reddish-pink flower or fruit form emerges from the top. The composition uses vibrating primary and secondary colors typical of Max’s mid-career period.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper appears bright with no significant foxing or water damage. Some minor yellowing at the extreme edges near the mat may indicate non-acid-free backing, but the central image and colors are vivid.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'A/P' (Artist's Proof) at bottom left. Features a personalized dedication 'For Doris & Family - 87'. Includes a 'Peter Max' embossed seal in the lower left corner, signifying authenticity from the artist's studio.
Art Historical Significance
Peter Max is a cornerstone of American Pop culture. This piece represents his transition from the hard-edged psychedelic graphics of the 1960s to a more painterly, expressive style in the 1980s. Artist's Proofs (A/P) are generally more desirable to collectors than standard numbered editions.
Notable Features
Includes a handwritten dedication and date by the artist; officially authenticated by the 'Peter Max' embossed blindstamp/seal; designated as an Artist's Proof which is typically limited to 10% of the total edition run.
Condition Issues
Slight evidence of rippling ('cockling') in the paper, likely due to humidity or mounting tension. Minimal light-leakage or mat burn may be present at the perimeter hidden by the current mounting.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using 100% acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glazing (glass or acrylic) to prevent the signature and hand-colored elements from fading.