If you own a lithograph on paper titled “Serbia’s Suffering” (1916) and attributed to (or signed by) the French artist Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (1859–1923), you’re in a corner of the market where authenticity details matter. Steinlen’s graphic work ranges from affordable magazine/charity imagery to highly collected Art Nouveau posters.
This guide focuses on practical verification: what to photograph, how to separate an original lithographic print from a later reproduction, and how collectors usually value a signed example today.
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What is “Serbia’s Suffering” (1916)?
“Serbia’s Suffering” is a World War I-era image associated with humanitarian relief and wartime fundraising. Steinlen is best known for his Belle Époque poster work (especially cat imagery and Montmartre scenes), but he also produced socially engaged graphics.
Because the subject is historically specific, you’ll often see it circulating as later reproductions (book plates, modern posters, digital prints). The goal with any 1916 lithograph is to confirm that the print you have is period (or at least an early edition) and not a much later decorative reprint.
Fast authenticity checklist (what to confirm in 10 minutes)
- Is it truly a lithograph? Lithographs typically show a smooth ink layer and subtle tonal gradations, not dot patterns like offset printing.
- Do you see a plate mark? Many early prints show a faint embossed border from the printing process. Not all lithographs have a strong plate mark, but if you see one it’s a useful sign.
- Signature type: pencil signature in the margin vs “signed in plate.” Pencil is generally stronger.
- Paper quality: older rag paper can show toning and watermarks; thin bright-white paper often suggests later.
- Margins: full margins generally support value; trimmed-to-image is usually a discount.
Signature, edition, and publisher lines (where mistakes happen)
“Signed” can mean two different things in the market:
- Signed in pencil by the artist in the lower margin (most desirable). Look for natural graphite sheen, pressure variation, and strokes that sit on top of the paper.
- Signed in the plate (part of the printed image). This can still be authentic, but it’s usually less valuable than a true pencil signature.
If your print has an edition number (for example “12/100”) that is often a positive, but remember: some later reprints also add edition numbers. A professional review uses the entire package: paper, ink, margins, and provenance.
Condition issues that change value (paper tells the story)
Collectors of works on paper pay for condition because conservation can be expensive. Common issues on early 20th-century prints include:
- Foxing: brown spotting from moisture/impurities. Light foxing is common; heavy foxing reduces value.
- Toning: overall yellowing of paper (often from acidic backing boards or sunlight).
- Mat burn: a darker rectangle where the mat opening was over decades.
- Creases and folds: especially if the piece was once stored flat without support.
- Edge trimming: reduced margins can signal later framing or removal from an album.
If the print is framed, don’t remove it aggressively. Photograph it in-frame first, then have a framer open it carefully so you can document the back, any stamps, and any watermark.
Appraisal value range (typical market, signed lithograph on paper)
Assuming the print is an authentic Steinlen lithograph and the signature is genuine, a practical retail/resale range for a typical signed example of “Serbia’s Suffering” often lands around:
- US$600–$1,000 for a clean sheet with full margins, clear signature, and no major paper damage.
- US$300–$600 if foxing/toning is noticeable, margins are trimmed, or framing damage is present.
- US$1,200+ if rarity, exceptional condition, strong provenance, or a desirable early printing is confirmed.
To anchor that range, here are three Steinlen-related print comps from our auction datasets (note: subject, size, and rarity vary widely across Steinlen’s market):
- Poster Auctions International Inc (Nov 12, 2024), lot 389: “Affiches Charles Verneau. ‘La Rue’” — US$50,000 hammer.
- Bassenge Auctions (Oct 9, 2024), lot 1329: “Compagnie francaise des chocolates et des thés” (chromolithograph) — €600 hammer.
- Antikbar Original Vintage Posters (Jul 6, 2024), lot 70: “Motorcycles Comiot” (Maitres de l’Affiche) — £650 hammer.
Those results show the spread: iconic advertising posters can trade at five figures, while many smaller works on paper trade in the hundreds. A humanitarian 1916 lithograph can be very collectible, but its exact value depends on edition, condition, and market visibility.
How to sell it (best channels for works on paper)
For a signed Steinlen lithograph, specialized channels usually outperform generic listings. Good options:
- Poster and print specialists (best for strong Steinlen imagery and verified authenticity).
- Regional auction houses if you have multiple works on paper and want a managed sale.
- Online marketplaces (fast, but authenticity questions and returns are more common).
Before listing, photograph:
- Full front (straight-on), plus angled shots to show any emboss/plate mark.
- Close-up of the signature area and any edition number.
- Edges and corners (tears, creases, trimming).
- Back of the sheet (stamps, labels, old hinge marks).
Ship flat whenever possible (between rigid boards, waterproof layer, insurance). Avoid rolling a framed print unless a professional packer recommends it.
Search variations people ask
These are common questions collectors search while identifying and pricing Steinlen lithographs:
- how to tell if a Steinlen lithograph is original
- is “Serbia’s Suffering” a WWI charity poster by Steinlen
- what does “signed in plate” mean on a lithograph
- how to spot a reproduction vs antique lithograph on paper
- value of Théophile Alexandre Steinlen prints
- how to check a lithograph watermark safely
- how foxing affects value of a 1916 paper print
- best way to sell a signed vintage lithograph online
Each question maps to the inspection and pricing guidance above.
References
Wrap-up
With Steinlen prints, the fastest value gains come from careful documentation: full-sheet photos, close-ups of the signature, and evidence of printmaking traits (paper, ink, and margins). Once authenticity is supported, price against comparable Steinlen works on paper—not against generic modern decorative posters.