Spoleto Festival 1996 (featuring The Man with the Suitcase / The Heart of a Dog)
Promotional exhibition poster on paper • William Kentridge (South African, born 1955)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Art / Neo-Expressionist influence
Medium & Technique
Offset lithographic print / photolithography on medium-weight paper stock
Creation Period
1996
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 24 inches (square format), framed in a larger square profile.
Subject Description
The image features a monochromatic photograph from Kentridge's theater/performance work. It depicts a seated figure obscured by a voluminous, chaotic mass of white paper emanating from a Gramophone horn on a table. The composition explores themes of memory, communication, and the physical weight of history and information.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible water damage or foxing along the right side and bottom edge of the white border.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120 USD
Provenance History
Commissioned for the 1996 Spoleto Festival USA (Charleston, SC). Likely acquired at the festival or a related gallery gift shop.
Art Historical Significance
Kentridge is a pivotal figure in contemporary art. While this is a mass-produced poster, it captures his multidisciplinary approach blending drawing, film, and theater during a decade when he gained major international recognition.
Notable Features
Includes the distinctive typography 'Spoleto Festival 1996' at the base. The image is a still from one of Kentridge's iconic early performance-based collaborations.
Condition Issues
Significant tide lines (staining) from liquid exposure are visible in the margins, particularly the lower-right area. The black frame shows minor scuffing.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current acidic backing if present. Professional cleaning could mitigate stains, but cost may exceed market value. Use UV-protective glass and mount with acid-free materials.