The Big Game
Limited edition print, likely a lithograph or serigraph on heavy art paper • George Buckett
Style & Movement
Mid-century Lowbrow/Kitsch or Illustration. The style is heavily influenced by the 'sad clown' trope popularized by artists like Red Skelton and Emmett Kelly.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or screenprint. The technique involves layered color inks with a clear black line plate to create a graphic, illustrative style reminiscent of mid-20th-century populist art.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Estimated image size 20 x 30 inches; framed dimensions approximately 28 x 38 inches.
Subject Description
The composition is a circus-themed parody of 'Dogs Playing Poker.' It features a diverse group of clowns gathered around a rustic table in a tent. Central to the narrative is a sad tramp clown (resembling Emmett Kelly) surrounded by various 'auguste' and 'whiteface' clowns. Several cards are prominently displayed in the foreground, suggesting a pivotal moment in a card game.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame, showing vibrant colors and no immediate signs of moisture damage or severe fading.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or specialized print shop. The presence of a limited edition number (bottom left) and graphite signature (bottom right) indicates it was part of a controlled commercial release.
Art Historical Significance
The work represents the height of the 'Clown Art' craze of the late 20th century. While not 'high art' in a canonical sense, it is a significant example of American pop-kitsch and commercial illustration that catered to the circus-enthusiast subculture.
Notable Features
Includes a hand-written title in the lower center margin, a limited edition fraction (likely /500 or /1000), and a pencil signature by George Buckett. The framing features a triple-mat design popular in traditional 1980s-90s framing styles.
Condition Issues
Possible minor 'waving' of the paper (cockling) due to environmental humidity. There is potential for slight acidic discoloration (mat burn) from the non-archival matting visible around the image border.
Conservation Recommendations
If the artwork has sentimental value, it is recommended to refit it with acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass to prevent future fading and yellowing.