Geisha (also referred to as 'Fujimusume' or Wisteria Maiden)
Limited edition print on paper • Will Barnet (American, 1911–2012)
Style & Movement
Moderne, Minimalist Pop Art influenced by Ukiyo-e aesthetics (Japonisme)
Medium & Technique
Serigraph (Silkscreen) featuring flat color blocks and sharp, clean contours
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1970s-1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 15 inches image size; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A stylized, semi-abstracted portrait of a Japanese woman (Geisha) in profile, cropped by the right frame edge. She wears a traditional red kimono and a large black hat. Wisteria blossoms drape over her shoulder. The composition emphasizes line and negative space.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print appears stable within the frame though some minor yellowing of the mat is visible.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $900 USD
Provenance History
Likely private collection; bottom margin shows pencil numbering (left), title (center), and signature (right). Originally sold through commercial galleries specializing in Modern American graphics.
Art Historical Significance
Barnet is a major figure in 20th-century American art known for bridging the gap between representational and abstract art. His work from this period is celebrated for its 'controlled' style and influence from Eastern woodblock prints.
Notable Features
Features a Greek key motif on the outer frame; hand-signed and numbered in pencil by the artist in the lower margin; characterized by Barnet's signature 'line-thin' facial features.
Condition Issues
Light toning to the paper margin; potential acid burn from the non-archival matting; slight rippling of the paper at the edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Reframing with acid-free Museum-grade matting and UV-protective glazing to prevent further fading of the vibrant red pigments.