Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A rare first-edition lithographic poster created for the very first Earth Week in Philadelphia, featuring surrealist artwork by psychedelic artist Martin Carey. The imagery depicts a divine hand releasing a cascade of stylized fish into a sea of watchful eyes, blending 1960s psychedelic aesthetics with urgent environmental messaging.
Story
In April 1970, Philadelphia hosted the most ambitious Earth Week in America, predating the national Earth Day. This poster was the face of a movement that brought 30,000 people to Fairmount Park to demand a cleaner future.
Maker / Origin
Martin Carey was a prominent figure in the 1960s psychedelic art scene, known for his intricate, mind-bending line work and contributions to underground newspapers like the East Village Other. His style bridged the gap between fine art surrealism and the vibrant, rebellious energy of the hippie counterculture.
Condition & Value
The poster shows significant wear including edge tears, heavy creasing from being folded, and some paper loss at the bottom margin. These condition issues are common for ephemeral street posters but do reduce the value by approximately 50% compared to a mint-state copy. Original 1970 environmental posters have seen a surge in demand.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.