Centaur Archer (Sagittarius)
Limited edition print (lithograph or serigraph) on heavy wove paper, framed under glass. • Graciela Rodo Boulanger (Bolivian, b. 1935). The signature in the lower right is consistent with her hand, and the numbering '180/200' appears in the lower left.
Style & Movement
Modern Figurative / Contemporary Latin American Art. Characterized by a whimsical, stylized aesthetic often associated with 'Naive Art' influences, but executed with sophisticated printmaking techniques.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/serigraphy with mixed media elements. The work features heavy texturing, patterning (specifically on the centaur's body resembling damask or brocade), and possible hand-applied gold leaf or metallic pigments in the yellow background fields.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1970-1990.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 30 x 22 inches (76 x 56 cm); portrait orientation. Total framed dimensions approximately 40 x 32 inches.
Subject Description
A stylized centaur acting as an archer, likely a representation of the zodiac sign Sagittarius. The figure possesses a rounded, childlike head typical of Boulanger's oeuvre. The composition uses a geometric grid background with blocks of yellow, pink, and blue, contrasted by the intricate floral/lace-like patterns on the horse body of the creature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame, though there is slight evidence of oxidation or yellowing at the extreme edges of the paper near the matting.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD (insurance/replacement value).
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700 USD.
Provenance History
Numbered edition '180/200' suggests a commercial gallery distribution. Likely acquired through a Fine Art gallery specializing in Latin American or Modern European prints.
Art Historical Significance
Boulanger is a highly recognized Bolivian artist known for her depictions of childhood and whimsical fantasy. This work represents her mature style where she blends mythological themes with her signature rounded figural types, contributing to the global recognition of 20th-century Latin American graphic arts.
Notable Features
The contrast between the flat geometric color fields and the highly detailed, etched appearance of the 'brocade' pattern on the centaur's hide is a distinctive hallmark of the artist's technical complexity in printmaking.
Condition Issues
Possible minor light-fading of the pigments (particularly the pinks and blues) due to UV exposure. Some ripple in the paper suggests it may not be acid-free mounted.
Conservation Recommendations
Verify the use of acid-free matting. If the backing is original and acidic, it should be replaced. Consideration of UV-protective museum glass is recommended to prevent further pigment degradation.