Preliminary identification

Art Deco Style Fashion Illustration Print, Signed 'Ely'

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a striking, large-format fashion illustration print capturing the romantic essence of 1920s high society. It features a stylized woman in an oversized, flower-adorned picture hat, long opera gloves, and delicate jewelry, rendered with fluid, minimalist line work and soft pastel washes. The piece is hand-signed with a stylized signature reading 'Ely' over a distinctive blue brushstroke.

Story

In the late 20th century, a massive wave of nostalgia swept the design world, resurrecting the glamorous, carefree aesthetic of the 1920s. This print perfectly captures that revival, blending classic Art Deco elegance with the bold, expressive graphic design sensibilities of the 1980s.

Maker / Origin

The artist, signing simply as 'Ely', appears to be a commercial illustrator or graphic artist active during the late 20th-century art publishing boom. During this era, artists frequently created elegant, decorative works for high-end interior design showrooms and framing galleries, capitalizing on the popularity of romanticized retro fashion.

Condition & Value

The print appears to be in very good condition with no visible water damage, fading, or foxing. The custom framing is intact and well-preserved, though there is minor dust and light wear on the frame edges. Excellent preservation of the paper colors.

Full Research

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

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.