Lighthouse by the Shore
Painting on masonry board or canvas board • Signed "Cooper" (Lower right); likely a decor-style artist or regional amateur.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Decor / Nautical Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic with heavy impasto and texture medium; likely using a palette knife and sponges for textural effects.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16x20 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A stone lighthouse standing on a rugged, sandy cliff overlooking a turbulent sea. Two seagulls fly in a hazy, overcast sky. The composition emphasizes texture over fine detail, using muted earth tones and blues.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface cracking and aging consistent with mid-range 20th-century materials.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely purchased through a commercial gallery, furniture store, or regional art fair during the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 'couch painting' or mass-market decor trend of the 1970s and 80s, prioritizing atmospheric mood and tactile texture for interior design compatibility.
Notable Features
The heavy, sculptural use of impasto in the foreground and the lighthouse provides a 3D effect. The signature 'Cooper' is characteristic of commercial studio artists or prolific regional painters.
Condition Issues
Prominent craquelure (cracking) across the sky area, likely due to a brittle paint film or environmental fluctuations. Possible yellowing of the varnish layer.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional; maintenance in a stable environment with controlled humidity to prevent further cracking. Reframing is optional but would enhance aesthetic appeal.