Peter Max Umbrella Man acrylic over lithograph: value & authentication guide

“Umbrella Man” is a well-known Peter Max subject that shows up in the market as everything from standard posters to signed serigraphs to mixed-media works where acrylic paint has been applied over a printed base (often described as acrylic over lithograph or painted over print).

The tricky part is that two pieces can look similar at a glance but live in totally different price tiers. This guide helps you document what you have (including the signature margin and any studio registration details), evaluate condition, and anchor value using comparable sales.

• Confirm the medium: is the paint actually raised and hand-applied, or is it printed texture?
• Photograph the signature margin: take a sharp close-up plus an angled shot to show pencil pressure and paper texture.
• Look for registration / edition notes: some pieces carry a studio number, edition fraction, or publisher mark.
• Document size correctly: separate image size from paper size and framed size.
• Describe framing and condition: mats, UV glazing, frame condition, and any edge waviness matter.

Quick value snapshot: smaller acrylic-over-lithograph Peter Max works can sell in the hundreds to low-thousands depending on documentation and demand. Larger, well-documented mixed-media works can land higher, especially when the signature/registration details are clear and condition is strong.

What “acrylic over lithograph” means (in plain English)

Lithograph (or offset lithograph) describes the printed base image. In a traditional lithograph, the image is printed from a plate; in modern offset printing, it is a commercial print process. Either way, it starts as a print.

Acrylic over lithograph means real acrylic paint was applied on top of that print. The paint may be subtle highlights, bold blocks of color, or larger painterly areas. In the hand, you should see raised texture and changes in sheen (matte print ink vs glossy acrylic).

For pricing and selling, describe it accurately as a mixed-media work on paper rather than calling it a painting.

Authentication checklist for Peter Max Umbrella Man mixed media

Most pricing mistakes happen when the listing can’t prove what the seller is claiming. Before you list (or insure) the piece, build a simple evidence packet.

• Signature: look for a hand-signed “MAX” (often in pencil or paint). Photograph it close and at an angle.
• Edition / registration notes: some works show an edition fraction, suite name, publisher imprint, or a studio registration number. Capture any markings on the sheet and the back.
• Surface texture: take a raking-light photo to show raised acrylic brushstrokes (printed texture can fool the eye in flat light).
• Paper & margins: show the margins. Paper texture, clean edges, and plate marks (if present) improve buyer confidence.
• Framing & condition: show the mat, the corners, the back, and any labels. If it is under glass, note whether it is UV glazing.

If the piece came with a COA, photograph the entire document (front/back). If you have emails or receipts, screenshots with personal data redacted still help.

How to date and describe Umbrella Man (without overselling)

Umbrella Man examples can appear in different colorways and formats. Some works are described as acrylic over lithograph (painted over print), and some are editioned serigraphs. When listing (or requesting an appraisal), include:

• Title and year: if a year is claimed (for example, 1999), include it and show the documentation source.
• Dimensions: image size (for example, 24 x 34 inches), plus paper size and framed size.
• Medium: be precise: “acrylic over lithograph on paper” or “serigraph on paper.”
• Signature/markings: where it is signed (lower right, lower margin) and any edition/registration notes.
• Provenance: where it was purchased (gallery, auction, gift) and whether a COA is included.

When in doubt, don’t oversell the format. Clear photos plus accurate medium wording will do more for buyer trust than optimistic labels.

Condition notes that affect value (especially for works on paper)

Because acrylic-over-lithograph works are typically on paper, condition is not just about the image surface. It is also about paper stability and presentation.

• Light fading: bright pop colors can fade if the piece hung in direct sun without UV glazing.
• Waviness / cockling: paper can ripple from humidity or tight framing.
• Mat burn and toning: older mats can discolor the paper along the window edge.
• Corner wear: small creases or soft corners matter more when the margins carry the signature/edition.
• Acrylic cracking: thick acrylic highlights can crack if flexed or stored in fluctuating humidity.

Comparable sales: three public auction results to anchor pricing

Below are three publicly listed auction results that help frame what collectors actually pay for comparable Peter Max works. These are not identical to every Umbrella Man example, but they show how medium, size, and documentation can shift value.

How to use comps: compare your piece’s subject (Umbrella Man), size (large format vs small format), medium (serigraph vs acrylic-over-lithograph), and proof (COA/registration) before you assume the same price tier.

Appraisal value range: fair market vs replacement value

Art valuations usually split into two common use cases:

• Fair market value: what a willing buyer may pay in the current market (often closest to auction-style pricing).
• Replacement value: what it may cost to replace through a retail/gallery channel for insurance (often higher than auction results).

In one legacy appraisal-style report, an Umbrella Man acrylic-over-lithograph example (large format, framed) was described with an estimated range of $25,000-$35,000. Treat numbers like this as context, not a guarantee, because insurance/replacement ranges can diverge from what similar works realize at auction.

Using the comparable sales above as anchors, many smaller acrylic-over-lithograph Peter Max works trade in the hundreds to low-thousands. Larger, well-documented examples can command more, especially when the signature/registration details are clear and condition is strong.

How to sell it (and avoid common listing mistakes)

Mixed-media Peter Max works can sell through several channels. Your best option depends on timeline, fees, and how comfortable you are shipping framed art.

• Direct sale (eBay / marketplace): largest buyer pool, but you handle questions, returns, and packing.
• Consignment: can attract higher-intent buyers, but commission and timelines vary widely.
• Auction house: good for clearing inventory; results depend on estimate, marketing, and sale theme.

Listing checklist: include a straight-on front photo, a texture photo, signature close-ups, full measurements (image/paper/framed), and clear condition notes. Avoid calling it an original painting if the base is printed. Buyers pay more when they trust the description.

Shipping and handling tips (avoid costly damage)

• Photograph before packing: show condition and corners so any shipping claim has proof.
• Protect the surface: use glassine or clean acid-free paper against the artwork (not newspaper).
• Double-box framed works: corner protectors + rigid foam + a second box reduces impact damage.
• Ship prints flat when possible: rolled shipping can introduce ripples; if rolling is required, use a large-diameter tube.
• Insurance and signature: insure for the sale price and require signature on delivery.

How to photograph and list it (checklist)

• Front photo straight-on in daylight (no glare) plus an angled shot to show paint texture.
• Signature close-up (sharp, readable, and at least one at an angle).
• Any registration / edition notes (full-frame photo of markings, labels, or stamps).
• COA photo (full page) plus any receipt/email proof of purchase (personal info redacted).
• Measurements: image size, paper size, and overall framed size.
• Condition notes: waviness, creases, edge wear, frame chips, and any glass scratches.
• Accurate medium: “acrylic over lithograph on paper” is more accurate than “painting.”

About the valuation method

We base value guidance on completed sales and comparable results, not only on asking prices. Online listings often sit unsold at optimistic numbers, while auction hammer prices reflect what a buyer actually paid. We then adjust for size, subject demand, medium (serigraph vs acrylic-over-lithograph), and documentation quality.