This is an original work by American contemporary urban artist, Mike Stilkey (b. 1975). Stilkey is known primarily for painting on books, which he feels are being thrown away at a rapid pace and by painting on them, gives them a second life. He also paints on other found objects, such as record album covers. His renderings and painterly style have been compared to Egon Schiele and Edward Gorey. Generally, works bought direct from the artist or through a representing gallery, also known as a 'primary sale' are the highest retail price paid. Oftentimes, for the vast majority of art sold, the re-sale or secondary market sale is usually lesser. The estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail 'asking prices' can be higher and vary.