Artmink

French Impressionist 'After Degas' Ballerina Offset Lithograph on Paper

By: After Edgar Degas (French, 1834–1917); specific publisher unknown

Style: Impressionism (after Edgar Degas)

Origin: United States (published; after a French original)

Materials: Offset lithograph (photomechanical reproduction) on paper, matted and glazed in a gold-tone frame

Age: Circa 1965–1990

Condition: Good (visible mat burn/toning and light staining; not examined out of frame)

Value: $60–$150 (auction, as a reproduction print)

Maker's Marks / Writing: Printed "Degas" at lower right within the image; no visible pencil signature, edition number, blind stamp, or publisher imprint.

Date: 2025-08-24 21:38:19.861851

Description:

Framed reproduction print after Edgar Degas depicting a young ballerina leaning forward, rendered in a sepia/charcoal-and-chalk effect. The image shows swift, economical lines with white heightening on the tutu and a printed signature "Degas" at lower right. The piece is matted in a beige mat within a thin gold-tone frame; no plate mark or pencil numbering is visible, suggesting an open-edition offset lithograph or photomechanical reproduction from the late 20th century.

Curator Questions

Curated by Jade

Assessment:

This appears to be an open-edition reproduction after Degas, not an original drawing or an authenticated limited-edition print. Indicators include the printed (not hand-signed) "Degas" signature, absence of a plate mark or blind stamp, lack of pencil numbering or publisher credits, and a modern frame/mat with noticeable mat burn. A genuine Degas drawing or an early photogravure with proper provenance would be far more valuable. A word about fakes.. Degas images—especially dancers—are among the most copied works in the market; mass-produced prints are ubiquitous, so caution is warranted. As presented, this should be valued as decorative wall art rather than a collectible fine print.

Individual Images:

whole item

Provenance:

No provenance provided.

Condition:

Good (visible mat burn/toning and light staining; not examined out of frame)

Identification Score: 90%

The subject, handling, and printed "Degas" signature strongly indicate a reproduction after Edgar Degas. The framing, paper tone, and lack of edition information support identification as a late 20th-century decorative print.

Authenticity Score: 15%

Low likelihood of being an original Degas work or a scarce early print: the signature appears mechanically printed, there is no plate mark, pencil signature, edition number, blind stamp, or publisher credit visible, and the presentation is consistent with commercial reproductions from the 1960s–1990s.

Image Memory Note

Framed artwork under glass showing a ballerina leaning forward, hair in a braid, tutu indicated with sketchy lines and white heightening; sepia/charcoal tonal palette. A thin rectangular border line surrounds the composition inside the image. Lower right bears printed text "Degas" (typographic/printed appearance, not pencil). The print is mounted behind a beige mat with noticeable mat burn/toning around the window opening; slight darker staining near lower margin. Frame is thin gold-tone (likely aluminum or painted wood) with a simple profile; glazing reflects room interior. No visible plate mark, deckled edges, edition number, pencil signature, or publisher marks. Carpet with gray stripes visible beneath; another framed piece leaning behind at right edge.

Keywords

Degas, ballerina, Impressionism, after Degas, offset lithograph, reproduction print, French art, 20th century, dance, decorative wall art, United States

Report ID:  : xdgfwy

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