Still Life
Limited Edition Print on paper • Michael Sloan (American, b. 1928)
Style & Movement
American Regionalism / Contemporary Realism
Medium & Technique
Lithograph or offset print after an original watercolor; techniques include wet-on-wet watercolor effects, fine detail line work, and dry-brush stippling.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (c. 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches for the image; vertical (portrait) orientation in a custom frame.
Subject Description
A rustic, weathered two-story cabin depicted in a landscape setting with a body of water in the foreground reflecting the structure. The composition features a barren, tangled tree framing the house and crows perched on a fence to the left. The theme evokes rural nostalgia and the passage of time.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some tonal shifts consistent with age, though the integrity of the image remains strong.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or art retailer in the American Southeast, where Sloan's work was widely distributed during the 1980s.
Art Historical Significance
Michael Sloan is known for his atmospheric depictions of Southern rural life, continuing the tradition of Andrew Wyeth. This work is significant as a representative example of 20th-century Southern coastal and rural interest in preserving vanishing architectural heritage.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in the lower left margin; pencil-titled 'Still Life' in the center margin. The crispness of the reflection in the water is a hallmark of Sloan's meticulous style.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing or 'acid burn' on the original matting; possible slight fading of warmer tones (the reds on the roof) due to UV exposure; minor rippling under the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace current acidic matting with archival museum-grade (acid-free) mat board and replace regular glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent further fading and discoloration.