Cactus Flora (H.C. Edition)
Print on paper, likely a lithograph or serigraph • Peter Max (American, b. 1937)
Style & Movement
Pop Art / Psychedelic Art / Neo-Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Lithography or serigraph with vibrant ink washes; features bold black outlines and soft color gradients characteristic of the artist's graphic style
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1980s-1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); landscape format
Subject Description
A whimsical, surreal composition featuring a stylized figure in a high-collared garment or ruff, positioned next to an abstract, leafy cactus-like plant. The scene includes a window-like frame in the background showing a landscape, rendered in the artist's signature 'cosmic' color palette of pinks, oranges, and blues.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the print appears bright with minimal fading, though there is slight rippling under the glass suggesting it may not be mounted to acid-free board
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000 USD
Provenance History
Marked 'H.C. 10' (Hors Commerce), indicating it was a proof not originally intended for public sale. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or specialized Peter Max distributor.
Art Historical Significance
Peter Max is a major figure in American Pop Art. This work exemplifies his later style which transitioned from the graphic intensity of the 1960s to a more painterly, fluid neo-expressionist approach that became commercially iconic in the 1980s and 90s.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'MAX' in the lower right; 'H/C 10' inscription in the lower left indicates its status as a Hors Commerce proof; quintessential psychedelic-influenced color palette.
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper (cockling) due to humidity or improper mounting; potential slight yellowing of the paper at the edges; metal frame shows minor age-related wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame using archival, acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further cockling and light-induced fading.