Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A vibrant example of 1970s counter-culture art featuring the iconic death mask of King Tutankhamun rendered in fluorescent 'blacklight' inks. This piece represents the intersection of the psychedelic art movement and the massive 'Tut-mania' that swept America during the late 70s.
Story
In 1977, the 'Treasures of Tutankhamun' tour became a cultural phenomenon, drawing 8 million people. This poster captured that fever, blending ancient royalty with the neon-soaked aesthetic of the disco era.
Maker / Origin
While often unsigned, companies like Pro Arts Inc. dominated this market, turning historical icons into psychedelic décor. They utilized specialized velvet-flocked or high-pigment fluorescent inks that reacted to UV light, a staple of teenage bedrooms and head shops.
Condition & Value
The poster shows visible edge wear, minor creasing, and some small tears at the bottom margin. These signs of age are common for paper ephemera but do reduce the value compared to a mint-condition, linen-backed example. The wear suggests it was likely pinned to a wall for years.
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.