Card Players
Original fine art print (Serigraph or Lithograph on paper) • Anatole Krasnyansky (Ukrainian-American, b. 1930)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Surrealist-Cubism; influenced by Decorative Expressionism and the Russian Avant-Garde.
Medium & Technique
Serigraph or lithography on heavy woven paper; features rich saturation, stippled textural effects, and overlaid geometric color blocks characteristic of high-quality commercial printmaking.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (c. 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 24 inches for the image (portrait format); outer dimensions including frame approximately 40 x 34 inches.
Subject Description
A complex, fragmented composition featuring figures (harlequins or masked revelers) engaged in playing cards and drinking wine. The subjects display multiple perspectives and 'masks within masks,' utilizing heavy symbolism regarding the duality of man and the theater of life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with no visible fading, though there is slight evidence of humidity-related puckering or 'cockling' of the paper near the bottom edge.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD (Retail/Gallery pricing)
Auction Estimate
$150 - $350 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a major commercial art distributor such as Park West Gallery, which heavily represents Krasnyansky in the primary market. Hand-signed in ink by the artist in the lower right margin.
Art Historical Significance
Krasnyansky is significant for blending his architectural heritage and Russian cultural background into a modern vernacular that bridges commercial appeal with traditional Surrealist and Cubist tropes. This piece is representative of his most popular and sought-after thematic series.
Notable Features
Distinctive fluid signature 'A. Krasnyansky' in ink. Note the complex background texture which simulates the look of hand-painted watercolor or fresco, a hallmark of Krasnyansky’s printed editions.
Condition Issues
Minor cockling of the paper support; potential light acid transfer from non-archival matting visible at the bevel edge; frame shows minor shelf wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend checking for acid-free mounting; if not present, replace with archival materials to prevent yellowing. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV pigment degradation.