estateRUTH.

Identification

Michael Smith 'Farm' Limited Edition Lithograph 285/350

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The artwork is clearly signed, titled 'Farm', and numbered '285/350' in pencil at the bottom margin, confirming it as a limited edition print.

Story

The artwork is a contemporary limited edition lithograph by Michael Smith, fitting into the broader American tradition of nostalgic, whimsical folk art that gained significant popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. The specific biographical details of this artist are not immediately prominent, suggesting a regional or decorative focus. The secondary market for late 20th-century whimsical folk art lithographs is primarily driven by decorative appeal rather than fine art investment.

Maker / Origin

Michael Smith

Condition & Value

The valuation assumes the print is in good condition with vibrant, unfaded colors as described. The presence, quality, and condition of a frame—currently unknown—will significantly impact the final presentation and value. Any hidden issues such as foxing, mat burn, or UV fading would severely reduce the value.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for late 20th-century whimsical folk art lithographs is primarily driven by decorative appeal rather than fine art investment. The market is well-supplied with limited edition prints from this era. Buyers are typically looking for charming, ready-to-hang pieces for rural, traditional, or cottage-core interiors. Unframed prints often trade below $100 at auction, while attractively framed examples can achieve $100 to $200 in retail settings.

Value Drivers

▲ Hand-signed and numbered limited edition (285/350) elevates it above open-edition posters.

▲ Whimsical, folk-art aesthetic has consistent decorative appeal for specific interior styles.

▲ Vibrant, saturated colors enhance its visual impact as a display piece.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — a smaller print (under 11x14 inches) would push the value to the lower bound.

▼ Unverified framing status — an unframed print lacks the 'ready-to-hang' premium.

▼ Artist name recognition — 'Michael Smith' lacks the established secondary market premium of peers like Charles Wysocki.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy, which are the primary venues for decorative folk art prints. Ensure the listing includes exact dimensions (both image size and overall size) and clear, close-up photos of the signature and edition number. If the piece is unframed, price it toward the lower end of the range to account for the buyer's future framing costs.

Upside Potential

If the print is substantial in size (e. g., over 24 inches wide) and housed in a high-quality, professional frame with archival matting, it could reach or slightly exceed the high end of the retail range ($150+).

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 5 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Napa Valley Museum
    Lowell Herrero | Picnic Limited Edition Giclee Print
    Different artist and medium (giclee print rather than lithograph).
    $3,800
  • MGC Puzzles
    Textures of Autumn - Jane Wooster Scott Hand signed and numbered limited edition Art Print
    Link could not be verified.
    $275
  • Invaluable
    WILL MOSES, (American, 20th/21st century), Untitled, Color lithographs (three works)
    Lot of three works; subject is a single print.
    $250
  • Invaluable
    WILL MOSES, (American, 20th/21st century), Untitled, Color lithographs (two works)
    Lot of two works; subject is a single print.
    $150
  • Etsy
    Jane Wooster Scott 'Manhattan Colors' Lithograph — limited edition
    Different artist and cityscape subject matter rather than rural/farm.
    $89