Late Summer / Ada in Sun Hat (Triptych study)
Set of three prints / lithographs on paper • After Alex Katz
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Pop Art influence
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or high-quality screenprinting featuring flat planes of color and hard-edge transitions
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Original inspiration c. 1970s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches each; landscape orientation framed as a horizontal triptych
Subject Description
A series of portraits depicting the artist's muse and wife, Ada, wearing a wide-brimmed black sun hat and dark sunglasses against a vibrant yellow background. The composition focuses on simplified forms and bold, stylized facial features.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; limited visible fading, though some glare on the glass suggests standard glazing
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,500 for the set (commercial prints/multiples)
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a contemporary art gallery or high-end decor retailer; no visible labels on the front
Art Historical Significance
Reflects Alex Katz's signature style of large-scale, flattened figures that bridge the gap between abstract painting and portraiture, famously capturing the 'cool' detachment of mid-century Manhattan social circles.
Notable Features
The use of the modular triptych format emphasizes the cinematic quality of Katz's work, suggesting a sequence of motion or a 'stills' vibe.
Condition Issues
Possible light exposure leading to yellow saturation shifts; minor reflections suggest non-archival glass; minor frame abrasions on the corners
Conservation Recommendations
Mount with acid-free materials; replace glass with UV-protective acrylic or museum glass; avoid direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the yellow ink