Norman Skaller - 'After An Awakening' Serigraph

Estimated value
$150 - $350Rarity
Average(4/10)Category
Prints & PostersEra
1970sOrigin
🇺🇸 United StatesArtist / Creator
Norman SkallerAuthenticity
NORMAN SKALLER - 'AFTER AN AWAKENING' SERIGRAPH: ORIGINS & SIGNIFICANCE
This appears to be a framed serigraph, or screenprint, by the artist Norman Skaller, titled 'After An Awakening' and dated 1973. The print depicts a fantastical landscape with sharp, geometric green foliage and cut cylindrical plant forms, containing a singular, glowing orange sphere. The style is distinctly Modernist, leaning towards Surrealism or Magic Realism, characterized by its crisp lines, rich color saturation, and ethereal lighting.
GRAPHIC ECHOES
Where This Object Echoes
The dreamlike quality, unexpected juxtaposition of elements, and mysterious narrative align with the aesthetic principles of Surrealist art.
The sharp angles, repetitive forms of the foliage, and the play of light and shadow create an almost optical illusion, reminiscent of Op Art's emphasis on visual effects and geometric patterns.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •Collecting limited edition prints: a ritual of acquiring accessible art for domestic display and personal enjoyment.
- •Decorating homes with art that evokes a sense of calm, contemplation, or visual intrigue, often as a focal point in a living space.
Meaning Through Time
During this period, limited edition prints became a popular and affordable way for the middle class to collect 'original' art, distinct from reproductions, signifying taste and cultural engagement.
PRINT LINEAGE
PRESS SECRETS
Skaller's serigraphs often create a sense of mystery and narrative, inviting viewers to ponder the story behind the surreal compositions, much like a stage set for an unknown drama.
Serigraphy, or screenprinting, is a printmaking technique that was popularized by artists like Andy Warhol and is known for producing bold, flat areas of color, making it ideal for the graphic quality seen in this piece.
HOW SCARCE IS IT?
Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.
Typical Characteristics
- Standard antique shop items
- Regularly available
- Moderate collector interest
Confidence Factors
- Signature and edition number are visible, typical for an artist's print.
- Style is consistent with known works by Norman Skaller.
- Serigraphs of this era are less commonly forged due to the relative investment vs. market value.
PRINT SPECIALIST'S TAKE
Museum-Trained Art Historian
The visible signature, date, edition number, and characteristic style strongly indicate this is an authentic serigraph by Norman Skaller. My confidence is high, though I cannot fully assess the print's condition or provenance details without further examination.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Clearly visible signature 'Norman Skaller' and date '1973' in the lower right.
- 2Edition number '45/185', title 'After An Awakening' and what appears to be 'Serigraph' in the lower left margin.
- 3Stylistic elements (geometric forms, surreal landscape, precise color application) are consistent with Skaller's known body of work.
- 4Medium appears to be a serigraph due to the flat, saturated areas of color and the visible editioning (number, title, signature).
UNCERTAINTIES
- •The glare on the glass obscures precise detail of the print's surface, making it difficult to assess any subtle wear or condition issues without a direct view.
- •No visible gallery labels or provenance information on the reverse of the frame or print itself (assuming from images provided).
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Examine the reverse of the frame for any labels from galleries, workshops, or previous owners.
- →Carefully remove the print from the frame (if glass is damaged or heavily soiled) to inspect the full sheet for foxing, discoloration, or any other condition issues not visible through the glass.
- →Photograph the signature and edition information more clearly to ensure legibility and verify against known examples of Skaller's hand.
- →Inspect the paper type for any watermarks or specific characteristics consistent with printmaking from 1973.
CONDITION & GRADE
Condition
The print itself appears to be in good condition behind the glass, with no obvious signs of fading or damage, though a full assessment would require removal from the frame. The frame itself shows some chips, scuffs, and general wear consistent with age, and the glass is dirty. There is a sticker or tag with '210.-' in the lower right, suggesting a retail price or inventory mark.
Surface
The print itself exhibits the characteristic smooth, uniform surface of a serigraph, with vibrant, opaque colors laid down precisely. The glass covering it is slightly soiled, obscuring some of the finer details and causing distracting reflections.
Weight & feel
Given the size visible in the image and its framing under glass, it appears to be of moderate weight, typical for a framed work of this type and era, likely substantial but manageable.
PRINT MARKET VALUATION
Updated: Feb 27, 2026
- Market comparables from auctions & retail
- Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
- Current collector demand & trends
- Low = quick sale, high = patient seller
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
SIMILAR CURIOSITIES
Rembrandt Etching: Old Man with a Divided Fur Cap (Bartsch 265)
Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn - "Abraham and Isaac" (Etching, First State)
Set of Four Prints after Henri Matisse's "Blue Nudes" (Nus Bleus I-IV)
Kees van Dongen (after) - Ludmilla Pitoëff in 'Sainte Jeanne', 1925
Abstract Chromatic Lithograph by A. Vrede
Marino Marini (Italian, 1901-1980) - 'Il Greco', 1978
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