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AI Appraisal
Description
This is an original pen-and-ink drawing, likely mid-20th century, signed “Elizabeth English.”
It is not a print, not a reproduction, and not decorative hobby art. The line work alone rules that out. Whoever made this could draw. Annoyingly well.
It is also not a known, cataloged artist in the fine-art market. No auction records, no institutional trail, no gallery history
• Medium: Pen and ink
• Support: Likely wove paper, mid-century quality
• Technique: Confident continuous line, controlled cross-hatching, layered figures and mechanical forms
• Condition:
• Age toning
• Light foxing
• Old pressure creases
• Non-archival backing and tape
• The imagery is surreal, figurative, and slightly grotesque
• Human forms entangled with a wheel / machine / bicycle-like structure
• Feels psychologically loaded, not illustrative
• Stylistic echoes:
• Jean Dubuffet (outsider-leaning line confidence)
• Saul Steinberg (mechanical absurdity)
• Post-war existential drawing traditions
This is not polite art. It’s not trying to be liked.
• Simple black frame
• Old mat
• Dust cover and tape consistent with 1950s–1970s framing practices
• No modern foam core
Category
Paintings
Condition
Good
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AI Appraisal: Mid-20th Century Figurative Ink Drawing Signed ...
🤖 AI-POWERED EXPERT APPRAISAL
Informed by 25+ years of real InstAppraisal history
🏛️ Archive-Informed AI
This appraisal is grounded in 8 similar items from InstAppraisal's 25+ year archive of real-world appraisals.
Confidence Level: 60%
Appraisal of Mid-20th Century Figurative Ink Drawing
Item Description: This is an original pen-and-ink drawing signed by "Elizabeth English," likely created between 1950 and 1970. The artwork features surreal, figurative imagery with human forms entangled in a mechanical structure, reminiscent of post-war existential drawing traditions.
Materials: Pen and ink on mid-century wove paper.
Dimensions: Not specified.
Condition: The drawing is in Good condition, with age toning, light foxing, old pressure creases, and non-archival backing and tape. These factors slightly reduce its value.
Maker Identification: The artist, Elizabeth English, is not a known figure in the fine art market, with no auction records or gallery history.
Authentication & Dating
Authentication Notes: The signature "Elizabeth English" is present, but the artist is not recognized in major art circles. Professional authentication is recommended to verify the signature and ensure the piece's originality.
Dating Rationale: The style, materials, and framing practices suggest a mid-20th century origin, consistent with the 1950s–1970s.
Market Context
Current Trends: The market for mid-century surreal and existential art is moderate, with interest in unique and original works.
Where to Sell: Consider selling through online art platforms, local galleries, or auction houses specializing in mid-century art.
Demand Level: Limited, due to the lack of recognition of the artist.
Care Tips
Provenance & Comparable Sales
Provenance Notes: Documentation of the artist's history or previous ownership would enhance value.
Comparable Sales: Similar mid-century ink drawings by unknown artists typically range from $100 to $300.
Valuation
⚠️ Important Authentication Notice
Galle items are among the most counterfeited in the world. High-quality replicas can be extremely difficult to distinguish from authentic pieces. Authenticity cannot be verified from photographs alone.
If Authentic
$100 - $300
If Replica/Counterfeit
$10 - $50
To Confirm Authenticity:
Professional authentication is strongly recommended before any significant purchase or sale.
This is not a certified appraisal and must not be relied upon for insurance, legal, tax, or estate purposes.
💰 ESTIMATED VALUE
If authentic: $100 - $300
If replica: $10 - $50
This valuation reflects current market conditions, informed by inflation-adjusted data from our 25+ year archive of expert appraisals.
📚 Similar Items From Our Archive:
📖 How This Appraisal Was Created
This appraisal was generated using AI analysis informed by InstAppraisal's 25+ years of archived appraisals, market observations, and community expertise. Your item was compared against 8 similar items from our historical database. Unlike generic AI tools, our system is grounded in decades of real-world appraisal data collected on this platform.
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