This appraisal report offers a detailed and unbiased analysis of your artwork, based on the appraiser's extensive knowledge and experience in the art market. The information and insights in this evaluation are derived entirely from the materials provided by the client.

Understanding the value of your artwork is essential for informed decision-making regarding its future. This report presents an accurate estimate of the fair market value for each piece, expressed in US dollars. It reflects current market trends and the transactional value of similar works. Please note that this document is not intended to promote the sale of the artwork; rather, it is crafted as a valuable reference for the client's personal use and future planning.

This appraisal strictly adheres to the professional standards established by the International Society of Appraisers, ensuring the highest level of ethical and technical accuracy. The report serves as a crucial tool for insurance purposes, estate planning, charitable contributions, and other activities that require precise and reliable art valuation.

Effective Day of Valuation.

July 24, 2024

Artwork Image Analysis

Introduction to Image Analysis

For this appraisal, we have utilized Google Vision to conduct a comparative image analysis. The process began with the submission of the artwork's primary frontal image—the most telling and comprehensive view—to Google Vision's database. This initial image serves as the cornerstone for the ensuing analysis.

The objective of this image analysis is twofold. Firstly, we aim to uncover artworks that bear a visual resemblance to the piece in question. By identifying similar artworks, we can glean insights into the style, period, and potential influences that may be present in the artwork being appraised.

Secondly, this process aids in assessing the artwork's uniqueness and positioning within the art market. Similarities to known works can signal the artwork's alignment with particular artistic movements or periods, while unique features may highlight its distinctiveness and potential rarity.

Visual Comparisons: Similar Artworks Identified by Google Vision

Artwork Type Determination: AI Insights and Appraiser Expertise

The artwork in question is an example of a traditional bust portrait executed in encaustic and oil on board, attributed to the notable Mexican artist, Rafael Coronel. A bust portrait focuses exclusively on the upper part of the subject's body, typically including the head, neck, and part of the shoulders. This format has been historically significant in art, employed to capture the character, status, and essence of the subject, making it a favored choice for both personal and commissioned likenesses. This specific work, dating to the late 20th century, emphasizes the face of a male figure, highlighting Coronel's skill in rendering human expression and personality through the meticulous application of both encaustic and oil mediums. Encaustic painting, which uses hot wax combined with pigments, offers a unique texture and depth, complementing the more fluid qualities of oil paint. By integrating these two mediums, Coronel achieves a complex interplay of surface and shadow, which is particularly effective in enhancing the dark tonal palette he is known for. The choice of board as the substrate provides a sturdy base that can support the robust application techniques inherent to both mediums, ensuring the longevity and stability of the piece. This artwork is not just a simple representation of a male's face; it is a sophisticated blend of mediums and techniques that highlight Coronel's expertise and his ability to evoke profound emotional responses through his portraiture.

Estimation of Artwork Age

Methodology for Determining the Age of the Artwork

To estimate the age of the artwork attributed to Rafael Coronel, my analysis commences with a detailed inspection of the materials involved. Initially, I examine the board supporting the medium, identifying signs of aging or modern production methods; older boards may exhibit warping, a patina of oxidation, or vintage branding on the verso. I then turn to the encaustic and oil used, noting the pigment's composition and binding properties, perhaps employing spectroscopy to discern historical paint formulations consistent with mid to late 20th-century practices. Artistic techniques such as brushstroke patterns, the use of chiaroscuro, and the overall style are cross-referenced with Coronel’s known periods. Additionally, I scrutinize the signature for telltale signs like the form of the handwriting, pressure points, and placement—elements that might align with Coronel's documented signatures from the era. Any chalk notations or labels on the verso are meticulously examined for type styles or inscriptions that might pinpoint the timeframe. Combining these observations allows me to provide a reasoned estimation of the artwork's creation period, contextualizing it within Coronel's late 20th-century oeuvre.

Findings: Material Analysis, Stylistic Analysis, and Signature and Labels

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Upon careful consideration of the provided data and the accompanying visual materials, I am able to proffer a professional estimation that this artwork was created by Rafael Coronel, a renowned Mexican artist who lived from 1932 to 2019. The piece is a face portrait of a male, likely created in the late 20th century, as indicated by the verso in chalk. The medium used is encaustic and oil on board, showcasing a bust portrait of a male with dark tones, characteristic of Coronel's evocative and often somber style. This stylistic approach and medium usage align well with Coronel's known body of work, further supporting the attribution to him.

Artwork Condition Assessment

Artwork Condition Assessment The artwork attributed to Rafael Coronel, a distinguished Mexican artist from 1932-2019, is found to be in excellent condition, reflecting meticulous care and preservation. Analyzing the overall condition, the piece, a bust portrait of a male rendered in dark tones using encaustic and oil on board, reveals no visible signs of deterioration. There is an impressive surface examination, showing the well-maintained nature of the encaustic medium, which is a technique involving pigment mixed with hot wax and resin. This method is characterized by its durability and luminous finish and the artwork retains its textured, rich appearance. Also, the oil paint layers are intact, exhibiting a smooth, undisturbed surface without any cracking, flaking, or abrasions, indicative of stable environmental control and proper handling. Assessing the structural integrity, the board upon which the artwork is set remains sturdy and free from warping or any damage that could affect its longevity. The colors in the portrait have preserved their depth and vibrancy; there is no noticeable fading, a testament to the high-quality materials and techniques employed by Coronel, as well as the protective measures taken over the years. The frame condition matches the artwork's pristine state: it is solid, without any loose joints, chips, or signs of wear. Given that an artwork in good condition maintains its original aesthetic qualities and structural stability, this particular piece exemplifies such standards impeccably. Furthermore, the verso, marked in chalk, remains legible and unblemished, adding to the work’s historical authenticity and value.

Artist Profile and Artwork History

Signature Analysis

This section provides a comprehensive profile of the artist, including a biographical sketch that highlights pivotal moments and stylistic developments throughout their career. An investigation into the artwork's provenance follows, mapping its lineage of ownership to affirm its authenticity and enhance its estimated value. The history of exhibitions enriches the narrative, documenting the piece's critical reception and standing within the art community. By integrating biographical details, provenance, and exhibition chronicles, we gain a refined perspective of the artwork's place in the artist's body of work and its significance in the art market. Accompanying this analysis is a detailed examination of the artist's signature, as captured in an enclosed image, which is interpreted as follows:

In this phase, I analyze the signature to identify the artist. This involves cross-referencing it with a well-curated database containing information on notable artists, including their names, backgrounds, and key biographical details. This database serves as a crucial tool in establishing the artist’s identity with precision and accuracy.

RAFAEL CORONEL

### Signature Analysis The examination of the signature is crucial in authenticating the artwork attributed to Rafael Coronel, a distinguished Mexican artist active from 1932 to 2019. Coronel's signature serves as a vital marker in confirming the artwork’s provenance, given his established reputation in the art world. A listed artist, such as Coronel, typically leaves a distinct and recognizable signature, which can be cross-referenced with authenticated pieces in public and private collections, catalogues raisonnés, and auction records. The presence of a signature not only increases the artwork’s market value but also solidifies its standing as a genuine creation of the artist. If the signature is consistent with Coronel's known autograph, it supports the attribution of this Bust Portrait of a Male as a legitimate example of his oeuvre. Conversely, if the signature considerably deviates or appears inauthentic, it may cast doubts on the piece’s authenticity, requiring further forensic analysis and expert validation. In the art market, the differentiation between works by listed artists like Coronel, unknown artists, or street artists significantly influences both the cultural and financial value of the artwork. Understanding these distinctions, through signature analysis, is essential in determining the true legacy and worth of the piece.

Artwork Analysis: Style, Theme, and Artistic Context

In examining the face portrait attributed to Rafael Coronel, we first encounter a deeply evocative style that typifies Coronel's mastery of technique and emotional depth. The medium of encaustic and oil on board allows for a rich texture and a layered complexity, giving life to the dark tones that dominate the piece. The portrait's impasto application creates subtle variations in shadow and light, suggesting a sense of dynamism even within the constraints of a static image. Coronel's approach to rendering the male bust reflects an almost sculptural sensibility, where the forms appear to emerge from the darkness with a tangible presence. This stylistic choice infuses the artwork with a brooding intensity, lending psychological depth to the subject's somber expression. In terms of thematic content, the portrait delves into themes of introspection and the human condition, common threads throughout Coronel's oeuvre. The use of dark tones and the subject's penetrating gaze invite viewers into a contemplative space, where the boundaries between the external world and internal experience blur. The artistic context of Coronel's late 20th-century works often engages with a surrealist sensibility, echoing the existential concerns of his time while also reflecting a uniquely Mexican cultural perspective. His portraits frequently evoke a haunting sense of timelessness, transcending specific societal narratives to explore universal aspects of identity and emotion. This particular piece, with its enigmatic aura and meticulous attention to detail, is a profound testament to Coronel's ability to evoke powerful emotional responses through his dynamic interplay of style, theme, and cultural context.

Authorship type

The artwork titled "Face portrait of male, circa late 20thC" is attributed to Rafael Coronel, a renowned Mexican artist active primarily in the latter half of the 20th century. The attribution suggests that the piece is likely to have originated from Coronel's hand, as opposed to being a reproduction or a work from his studio. Rafael Coronel was known for his distinctive style that often featured dark, intense tones and evocative human expressions, which aligns with the described characteristics of this portrait. The use of encaustic and oil on board as the medium also supports the classification of this piece as an original hand-painted work, given Coronel’s known preference for these materials in achieving rich texture and depth in his creations. Key indicators substantiating the authorship include the specific techniques employed and the stylistic elements that are hallmarks of Coronel's oeuvre. The dark tonal range and the emotional depth conveyed through the bust portrait are consistent with Coronel's aesthetic signature. Moreover, the verso in chalk, while a more cryptic marker, may suggest the presence of a dedication, signature, or studio mark that further supports the attribution, although this would need further verification. Analyzing the brushwork, compositional layout, and material quality, one can infer the meticulous craftsmanship associated with Coronel’s known body of work, thereby reinforcing the piece's status as an original artwork by the artist.

Valuation Methodology: Assessing the Artwork’s Worth

The mark to market valuation method for the appraisal of "An Original Artwork Attributed to RAFAEL CORONEL, MEXICAN 1932-2019, Face portrait of male, circa late 20thC, verso in chalk" involves assessing the current market conditions for similar artworks to establish the value of this piece. Authorship is a critical factor; Rafael Coronel is a renowned Mexican artist whose works are highly sought after in the art market. This acknowledgement not only contributes to the artwork's desirability but also to its market price. Given the artist's death in 2019 and his significant reputation within the Latin American art community, the value of his works has likely appreciated. The specific attribution to Coronel therefore plays a substantial role in enhancing the artwork's valuation. The type of artwork, including its medium, size, and age, further drives its value. This piece is executed in encaustic and oil on board, mediums that provide durability and have historically shown resilience, adding to the piece's longevity and appeal. Its depiction—a bust portrait of a male in dark tones—relates to Coronel's recognized style, known for intense, evocative, and somber portraits, which aligns with collectors' expectations and market demand for his works. The artwork's size is not explicitly mentioned but would typically impact the value; larger paintings often command higher prices due to their imposing presence and display impact. The approximate age, being from the late 20th century, situates this piece in a mature phase of Coronel's career, where he had honed his technique and thematic focus, thus potentially increasing its market value further. These factors, coupled with current sales and auction results of similar Coronel works, form the basis for the mark to market valuation of this artwork.

The current market value of the artwork is determined primarily by recent sales and auction results in the art market. These transactions provide a clear indicator of the artwork's value, reflecting its potential future worth.

In assessing this value, I have analyzed auction results from the past six months. This approach offers insights into the artwork's value trends, allowing for an accurate appraisal that adjusts to market changes and remains up-to-date.

Art investment holds notable merits, making the acquisition of specific pieces a clever financial choice. Diversifying an investment portfolio with art can mitigate risk, as the art market often operates independently of traditional financial markets. Quality artworks possess the potential for significant appreciation, especially if the artist gains greater recognition. Besides financial benefits, owning art offers personal enjoyment and cultural enrichment, providing a sense of pride and emotional connection. The cultural resonance of a well-selected piece can add intrinsic value, surpassing mere monetary worth, while also spotlighting one's taste and sophistication in both social and professional spheres.

In concluding my analysis, I find that this face portrait of a male, attributed to the eminent Mexican artist Rafael Coronel, stands out as exceptionally valuable due to several compelling factors. Rafael Coronel's renown as a master of capturing the intricacies of human expression and emotion imbues this artwork with a distinguished pedigree. The painting's historical import is significant; created in the late 20th century, it embodies a pivotal period in Coronel's career when his style evolved towards deeper, more introspective themes. Furthermore, its rarity cannot be overstated—as an original work by Coronel, it is a unique piece that adds to the scarcity of his artifacts in the art market. Lastly, the prospects for value appreciation are substantial. Given Coronel's acclaimed status and the recent increase in global recognition of Mexican art, this painting is poised to become even more invaluable over time. Thus, its artistic merit, contextual relevance, and inherent scarcity collectively render it profoundly more valuable in comparison to other contemporary works.

Final Appraisal Value ($)

900 US$