Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a vibrant, hand-pulled limited edition serigraph titled 'Melancholy' by American artist Lyman Wright. Featuring a striking Mid-Century Modern-influenced geometric abstraction, it showcases a masterful overlay of transparent ink layers and sharp, calligraphic black linework. The print is hand-numbered 36/51, titled, and signed by the artist with the notation 'imp', indicating he personally printed the edition.
Story
Created in the artist's studio, this print carries the rare mark 'imp'—short for the Latin 'impressit'—meaning the artist hand-inked and pulled this exact sheet themselves. Rather than outsourcing to a commercial print shop, Wright controlled every layer of color personally.
Maker / Origin
Lyman Wright is a highly regarded American printmaker and artist known for his complex, multi-layered geometric serigraphs. His work frequently bridges the gap between mid-century abstraction and late-century graphic precision, utilizing hand-cut stencils to achieve incredibly sharp registration.
Condition & Value
The print appears to be in excellent, near-mint condition with clean margins, sharp corners, and no visible signs of foxing, fading, or moisture damage. The deckled right edge is intact, and the pencil inscriptions are clear and legible. Excellent condition like this commands the top end of the market range.
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.