The Sofa by Louis Icart circa 1937

Larrt Icarth

This is your appraisal report, it has the following sections: Description and History, Appraisal Value (US$), How to sell it, and About the Valuation method. 

Description and history

This is a known Lithograph by Louis Icart titled “The Sofa” circa 1937.

Louis Icart (born 9 December 1888 in Toulouse, died 20 December 1950 in Paris)

Icart’s depictions of women were mostly sensual, often erotic, but also always humorous and full of hinted or direct sexuality. In his pictures, beautiful courtesans frolicked on thick pillows with facial expressions full of passion, dismay or surprise.

Regarding this lithograph, it is important to note this is a reprint, it was not hand signed by Icart. There are many versions of this lithograph, the one that you have is a reprint published around 1940s (you can see the Copyright and publishers information on top left corner). The closets lithograph on sale right now is this one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/254200511464

There are different color schemes for this same lithograph, it was actually colored by hand, which makes it more valuable.

As it is a lithograph, and the signature is printed (in the art world we call it signed in plate), this piece has value as a decorative piece.

Appraisal Value ($)

– 350-450$

Do you have any other antique?

Get it appraised!

How to sell it

Art pieces are difficult to sell, you will need some time to find a buyer, so be patient!

To sell the items, I would recommend doing so through the internet. You have plenty of options, for instance:

– Ebay, Craiglist, Etsy, Facebook ads, Amazon marktplace

I would probably go ahead and take a couple of good pictures, like described here:

https://www.channelreply.com/blog/view/how-to-take-photos-for-ebay

Then I would use the provided description as a text to the ad, and an attractive ad title will make it.

There isn’t any special difference between selling it on Etsy, FB or Amazon. I would recommend to upload the same ad to at least two or three platforms. It will ensure a high visibility of the ad.

The asking price can be close to the value, it depends upon how fast you want to sell. In general, an agressive strategy of 20% price cut will work great, however it depends upon your specific location.

About the valuation method

To value this item I have considered the results from past auction sales. Keep in mind that the final price can be different from asking prices that you can find on the internet. You can see ads on the internet with different asking prices. However, a very high asking price doesn’t normally find cash from a buyer. 

That’s why our method comprises searching and comparing similar past sale results that had a buyer. That’s why we can provide an accurate estimation of this item.

For art pieces, remember that it isn’t the same a print, a limited edition print or an original art piece. If the artist can’t be identified, the value assigned corresponds to the quality and potential interest of the market for the painting.