L'Après-midi (The Afternoon) / Figures in an Interior
Print - Limited Edition Color Lithograph or Serigraph on woven paper • Elie Abrahami (born 1944, Iranian-French)
Style & Movement
Contemporary figurative with influences from Post-Impressionism and the École de Paris; characterized by a dream-like, whimsical atmosphere and flattened perspective
Medium & Technique
Color lithography utilizing multiple plates for flat color application, stippling, and layered textures; hand-signed in pencil
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1970-1985
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 20 x 26 inches; portrait orientation within a larger rectangular frame
Subject Description
The composition depicts a domestic or café interior with several figures depicted in a nostalgic, ornate style. In the foreground, figures sit around a low pedestal table in plush armchairs. The background features vertical stripes suggestive of wallpaper or drapes, and a top register showing additional heads of figures that seem to peer over a partition. The aesthetic is gentle, utilizing a palette of ochre, sage green, and white to create a serene, narrative-driven scene.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear original but there is significant reflection from glazing which obscures surface details for a definitive physical inspection
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Marked with a signature 'E. ABRAHAMI' and edition numbering '221/250' in the lower margin. Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or art dealer specializing in modernist prints during the 1980s or 90s
Art Historical Significance
Abrahami is a noted painter and engraver who moved to Paris in 1970 and became part of the international artistic community there. His work often blends Persian miniature influences (flatness/pattern) with European modernism. This print is a characteristic example of his work that explores memory, intimacy, and the quietude of daily life.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil; includes an edition number (221/250) indicating a relatively large but finite production run; housed in a decorative burl-wood style frame with traditional detailing.
Condition Issues
Visible rippling of the paper at the top (cockling) suggests it may not be mounted on acid-free backing or is sensitive to humidity. Potential light fading given the soft palette, though this may also be the intended aesthetic.
Conservation Recommendations
Remounting with acid-free, archival matting to prevent further cockling; glass should be replaced with UV-protective museum glass to prevent color degradation; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.