Jack Hagman’s “Iris” is a striking large-format lithograph that transforms a single iris bloom into a monumental abstract form. Rendered in radiant yellows, ochres, and warm earth tones, this signed and numbered edition (147/200) showcases Hagman’s sophisticated mastery of color layering and modernist reduction. A powerful botanical statement piece ideal for collectors of mid-century floral art, bold modernism, and large-scale graphic prints.
“Iris” presents a sweeping close-up of an iris flower enlarged to dramatic proportions. Hagman treats the bloom as both botanical subject and abstract sculpture: its sweeping petals fold and twist in rhythmic, architectural planes of light and shadow. Layers of rich golden-yellow, ochre, olive, and warm brown shift across the surface, creating the effect of sunlight glowing through delicate flower tissue.
The lithographic technique is meticulous—smooth tonal gradations and crisp edges suggest multiple color plates carefully registered to achieve depth. The top petals appear to open outward like unfurling drapery, while the lower petal fans into a soft, luminous curtain. The composition reduces the iris to essential form and color, emphasizing its movement, asymmetry, and sculptural energy.
The work is signed “Hagman” at the lower right, with the edition 147/200 written in graphite at the lower left. The title “Iris” is inscribed at the lower center. This print reflects Hagman’s mastery of creating large-scale, impactful florals—works that are less botanical illustration and more modernist exploration of natural form.
“Iris” belongs to Hagman’s period of experimental lithography in the 1970s, when he pushed his landscapes and natural subjects into bold abstractions. Here, the iris serves as a vehicle for exploring light, translucency, and sensual organic curves.
Jack (John) Hagman (American, 1937–2015) was a versatile painter, printmaker, actor, and set designer whose artistic presence shaped both Midwestern visual and performing arts. Born in Chicago on December 22, 1937, Hagman spent his formative years within the city’s thriving artistic milieu. He received his art education in the Chicago area, developing strong foundations in drawing, painting, and printmaking. His exposure to mid-century modernism influenced his stylistic evolution toward simplified forms, atmospheric tonal work, and expressive abstraction.
Hagman’s professional art career flourished in the late 1960s and 1970s. His lithographs—ranging from conceptual geometric imagery to glowing landscapes and bold florals—were widely distributed through prominent galleries. Merrill Chase Galleries played a crucial role in circulating his work nationally, helping him build a collector base across the United States.
Hagman’s pieces are held in major institutional collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College. Several of his lithographs also appeared in the Harvard Art Museums’ Fogg Museum rental collection, positioning him among respected American printmakers of the late 20th century.
While many of his works focus on forests, valleys, and canyon forms, his florals—such as “Iris”—demonstrate his ability to treat natural subjects with monumental abstraction. In these works, he emphasizes sculptural curves, tonal transitions, and a sense of organic drama. Hagman’s florals are less about botanical accuracy and more about the expressive potential of natural form.
Beyond visual art, Hagman was deeply involved in theater. He served as an actor, director, and set designer with the Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso, Indiana. This dual commitment to stage and studio imbued his visual works with a cinematic understanding of light, composition, and spatial presence.
Throughout his career, Hagman participated in regional exhibitions, belonged to artist groups such as “18 Artists,” and remained an influential figure in the Midwest arts community. He passed away on April 3, 2015, leaving behind a diverse and compelling body of work celebrated for its modernist clarity, emotional quietude, and refined craftsmanship.
Jack Hagman (1937–2015), Iris, c.1970s, 22×30 in. color lithograph, signed lower right, titled, numbered 147/200. Monumental modernist floral print in golden tones; excellent impression.
Certificate of Value & Authentication
This certificate verifies that the artwork titled “Iris” is an original lithograph by Jack Hagman (American, 1937–2015).
Medium: Hand-pulled color lithograph
Dimensions: 22 × 30 inches
Date: c. 1970s
Edition: 147/200
Signature: Signed “Hagman”; titled and editioned in graphite
Notable: Artist has three works in the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Authentication is based on signature examination, paper and print characteristics, edition notation, and confirmed provenance traced through Mitch Morse Gallery. Certified for appraisal, insurance, and resale purposes.
Artist: Jack Hagman (American, 1937–2015)
Original U.S. gallery / publisher distribution, c.1970s
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery, New York (with additional sourcing across U.S. and Europe)
Sold to private collectors via Mitch Morse Gallery
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
Jack Hagman’s “Iris” is a striking large-format lithograph that transforms a single iris bloom into a monumental abstract form. Rendered in radiant yellows, ochres, and warm earth tones, this signed and numbered edition (147/200) showcases Hagman’s sophisticated mastery of color layering and modernist reduction. A powerful botanical statement piece ideal for collectors of mid-century floral art, bold modernism, and large-scale graphic prints.
“Iris” presents a sweeping close-up of an iris flower enlarged to dramatic proportions. Hagman treats the bloom as both botanical subject and abstract sculpture: its sweeping petals fold and twist in rhythmic, architectural planes of light and shadow. Layers of rich golden-yellow, ochre, olive, and warm brown shift across the surface, creating the effect of sunlight glowing through delicate flower tissue.
The lithographic technique is meticulous—smooth tonal gradations and crisp edges suggest multiple color plates carefully registered to achieve depth. The top petals appear to open outward like unfurling drapery, while the lower petal fans into a soft, luminous curtain. The composition reduces the iris to essential form and color, emphasizing its movement, asymmetry, and sculptural energy.
The work is signed “Hagman” at the lower right, with the edition 147/200 written in graphite at the lower left. The title “Iris” is inscribed at the lower center. This print reflects Hagman’s mastery of creating large-scale, impactful florals—works that are less botanical illustration and more modernist exploration of natural form.
“Iris” belongs to Hagman’s period of experimental lithography in the 1970s, when he pushed his landscapes and natural subjects into bold abstractions. Here, the iris serves as a vehicle for exploring light, translucency, and sensual organic curves.
Jack (John) Hagman (American, 1937–2015) was a versatile painter, printmaker, actor, and set designer whose artistic presence shaped both Midwestern visual and performing arts. Born in Chicago on December 22, 1937, Hagman spent his formative years within the city’s thriving artistic milieu. He received his art education in the Chicago area, developing strong foundations in drawing, painting, and printmaking. His exposure to mid-century modernism influenced his stylistic evolution toward simplified forms, atmospheric tonal work, and expressive abstraction.
Hagman’s professional art career flourished in the late 1960s and 1970s. His lithographs—ranging from conceptual geometric imagery to glowing landscapes and bold florals—were widely distributed through prominent galleries. Merrill Chase Galleries played a crucial role in circulating his work nationally, helping him build a collector base across the United States.
Hagman’s pieces are held in major institutional collections, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College. Several of his lithographs also appeared in the Harvard Art Museums’ Fogg Museum rental collection, positioning him among respected American printmakers of the late 20th century.
While many of his works focus on forests, valleys, and canyon forms, his florals—such as “Iris”—demonstrate his ability to treat natural subjects with monumental abstraction. In these works, he emphasizes sculptural curves, tonal transitions, and a sense of organic drama. Hagman’s florals are less about botanical accuracy and more about the expressive potential of natural form.
Beyond visual art, Hagman was deeply involved in theater. He served as an actor, director, and set designer with the Chicago Street Theatre in Valparaiso, Indiana. This dual commitment to stage and studio imbued his visual works with a cinematic understanding of light, composition, and spatial presence.
Throughout his career, Hagman participated in regional exhibitions, belonged to artist groups such as “18 Artists,” and remained an influential figure in the Midwest arts community. He passed away on April 3, 2015, leaving behind a diverse and compelling body of work celebrated for its modernist clarity, emotional quietude, and refined craftsmanship.
Jack Hagman (1937–2015), Iris, c.1970s, 22×30 in. color lithograph, signed lower right, titled, numbered 147/200. Monumental modernist floral print in golden tones; excellent impression.
Certificate of Value & Authentication
This certificate verifies that the artwork titled “Iris” is an original lithograph by Jack Hagman (American, 1937–2015).
Medium: Hand-pulled color lithograph
Dimensions: 22 × 30 inches
Date: c. 1970s
Edition: 147/200
Signature: Signed “Hagman”; titled and editioned in graphite
Notable: Artist has three works in the Smithsonian American Art Museum
Authentication is based on signature examination, paper and print characteristics, edition notation, and confirmed provenance traced through Mitch Morse Gallery. Certified for appraisal, insurance, and resale purposes.
Artist: Jack Hagman (American, 1937–2015)
Original U.S. gallery / publisher distribution, c.1970s
Acquired by Mitch Morse Gallery, New York (with additional sourcing across U.S. and Europe)
Sold to private collectors via Mitch Morse Gallery
Current Owner: Artfind Gallery, Washington DC
