The King and the Fool Value Guide

- Period
- 1998
- Origin
- United States
- Materials
- Graphite, pastel, ink, paper, wood frame, glass
- Category
- Book
Created in 1998, 'The King and the Fool' is a compelling example of late-20th-century American figurative abstraction. This collectible mixed media work is distinguished by its gestural line work and a satirical exploration of social hierarchy through its crowned and jester-like subjects.
What Is The King and the Fool Worth?
The typical price range for The King and the Fool is $350 - $385 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:
- The current market valuation ranges from $350 to $385 based on its contemporary American origin.
- Condition of the mixed media elements, specifically the preservation of the delicate pastel and graphite layers.
- The presence of the original wood frame and glass which protects the paper substrate.
- The clarity and legibility of the handwritten inscriptions which are central to the work's social commentary.
How to Identify The King and the Fool?
- Look for the specific combination of graphite, pastel, and ink media on paper.
- Identify the handwritten inscriptions that provide the thematic context of the piece.
- Verify the 1998 creation date, which distinguishes this contemporary work from mid-century European modernism.
- Note the original presentation in a wood frame under glass as part of its provenance.
History of The King and the Fool
Created in 1998, this work follows the expressive traditions of figurative abstraction. It utilizes a play on words regarding social hierarchy, titled The King and the Fool, contrasting a crowned figure with a jester-like counterpart. While often mistaken for mid-century European modernism in digital searches, it is a contemporary late-20th-century piece that blends social commentary with loose, gestural line work.
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