Crescent Moon and Starman
Painting on canvas panel • Richter (signed '85 Richter 2021')
Style & Movement
Contemporary Pop Folk / Outsider Art
Medium & Technique
Acrylic on primed canvas. The technique is expressive and gestural with visible dry-brush strokes in the black pigment and flat application for the character motif.
Creation Period
2021
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5 x 7 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A minimalist composition featuring a black crescent moon and a yellow 'Super Star' (Starman) from the Super Mario video game franchise. The work blends celestial symbolism with modern pop culture iconography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paint film appears stable, though the support shows some minor edge wear typical of canvas panels.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Likely a contemporary private collection; created by a local or independent artist in 2021.
Art Historical Significance
The piece reflects the democratization of art through 'Fan Art' and the integration of digital-era gaming symbols into traditional physical mediums. It represents a personal appropriation of corporate iconography within a small-scale domestic format.
Notable Features
Bold black signature and date at the bottom right; juxtaposition of a traditional celestial moon with a character-specific star containing distinct 'eye' markers.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffing; small red pigment mark near the lower left of the moon; slight impasto peaks subject to future abrasion.
Conservation Recommendations
Apply a UV-protective varnish to prevent pigment fading. Frame behind glass with a spacer to protect the textured surface from dust and contact.