Opinions Wanted 3 Lithographs

[Franny]

I have a good friend who has some some Marc Chagall lithos. They were purchased by his parents at auction back in the very early 70's. I do not have titles so at this time I have no idea what they are worth...I will assist him in
getting that information. They are framed in metal right now, no mats, It appears they are just sitting on a backboard. There is cardboard as a backing
and there is also a strainer. There are screws right through the top of the metal
frame the paper is beginning to burn because there are tiny tiny brown dots
coming through the paper.
I explained to him that they need to be reframed with acid free materials. I don't know what the thinking was back then with the use of a strainer...it is not playing any kind of a role that I can see...and it goes without saying that the cardboard has got to go. He believe that in order for them to retain their full value that they have to remain in the original frame.
How should I handle this situation?

 

[artfolio]

Tell him that unless Marc built that frame with his own hands it is a piece of junk which is only worth the scrap value of the aluminium. You could also add that unless the foxing etc is dealt with by a conservator the prints will have no value at all because in a few years they will be destroyed completely.

If he won't take your word for it ( you are only a framer after all) refer him to an art gallery or conservator who he will listen too.

I wonder how much of our cultural heritage has been destroyed by this kind of thinking??

 

[Jeff Rodier]

The dots are foxing which are not acid burns. The strainer is part of the structure of the frame which allows the artwork to be held back away from the glass. Some metal frames were fused corners and the strainer was fastened in place since there is no channel in this style of frame. Sounds like you have made a lot of assumptions without an actual inspection of what the contents are. If the pieces are floating away from the backing board they are most like hinged to rag board which was then attached to the backing board.

Take them appart before making comments that will make you look silly if the asumptions turn out to be inaccurate.

 

[Rebecca]

Regardless, if they were framed in the '70s it is very likely time to change contact materials. If they love the frames it may be possible to keep them; an art appraiser or specialized dealer would be able to give an informed opinion on whether the frame adds value or not. Probably not, but it can't hurt to check. The appraiser or a paper conservator can also give an informed opinion as to whether treatment is needed or not. When in doubt, refer.

 

[Prospero]

It matters not how eminent the artist was. If they were printed on carp paper they carry the seeds of their own destruction. 70's prints usually are.
The framing wouldn't have helped the situation, but chances are if they had been framed with 'archival quality' materials they would still have spots.

 

[wpfay]

Before you do anything you need to re-establish authenticity or provenance. During the 60's, 70's and 80's there were a huge number of forgeries of major artists* of the time. They were invariably lithographs, and they were very good. The difference in value between the genuine article and the forgery is great.
A good art appraiser could sort things out for you, and if they are genuine you might even be able to get a letter of authenticity from the managers of the artists's estate or from the catalogue raissonee.
Until that time I would still treat them as original pieces (either reframing to conservation standards. or storing, wrapped in glassine paper in an acid free folder), but I wouldn't search out conservation treatment until authenticity is established.

*Dali, Chagall, Matisse, Miro, Leger, Picasso, Diebenkorn...etc.

 

[Rick Granick]

I do remember the scandal of Dalí signing scads of blank sheets that were printed later. The others you mention may also be lithographically printed images from European art books, or aprés prints.
Rick

By any chance is there a "certificate of authenticity" on the back signed by "Albert Scaglione, Ph.D." ?

 

[Rebecca]

By any chance is there a "certificate of authenticity" on the back signed by "Albert Scaglione, Ph.D." ?

OMGosh Rick, there was a scary scary Joanne Scaglione in my Jr. High who kept calling me out to the girls room ((late 60's speak for wanting to Beat Me Up!). Maybe a relative LOL?