Running Cosmic Man (Self-Portrait at Sunrise)
Print on paper, likely a lithograph or serigraph, matted and framed. • Peter Max (German-American, born 1937).
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Neo-Expressionism / Psychedelic Art; typical of Max's iconic 'Cosmic' 1960s-1980s aesthetic.
Medium & Technique
Lithography or screenprint with distinct Ben-Day dots in the character coloration and a flat, gradient wash for the background. The signature appears to be hand-applied in ink or graphite over the printed image.
Creation Period
1981 (dated in ink on the lower right).
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 8 x 10 inches; landscape format within a rectangular frame.
Subject Description
The image features a stylized figure, the 'Cosmic Man', running across a landscape toward the viewer. The background consists of a large, radiant sunburst set against a chromatic yellow-to-red gradient. The figure is filled with a blue and yellow Ben-Day dot pattern, holding a flower, and trailing a flowing purple cape or cloud. It symbolizes freedom, movement, and cosmic energy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors remain vibrant without significant fading. There are visible reflections on the glass in the photograph, but the paper appears flat and well-preserved.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (based on current retail for signed 1980s editioned prints).
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700 USD.
Provenance History
The piece bears a hand-signed 'MAX' and the date '1981' in the lower right. It likely originated from a series of editioned prints common to the artist's commercial distribution in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Peter Max is a central figure in the 1960s pop culture and counter-culture movement. This work represents his transition into the 1980s where he refined his 'Cosmic' imagery for a broader commercial audience, maintaining his signature use of bold colors and celestial motifs that defined a generation of graphic design.
Notable Features
Features a prominent hand-signature 'MAX' and a handwritten date '1981'. The use of gradient 'rainbow' printing in the background is a hallmark of the artist's technical style during this period.
Condition Issues
Possible minor toning to the mat board. Risk of UV light damage if not framed with archival glass. No visible foxing or creasing observed in the provided image.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted using acid-free materials. If not already present, switch to UV-protective museum-grade glass to prevent the characteristic fluorescent pigments from fading under light exposure.