Figures in a Park (or similar park scene)
Painting on canvas or board • Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858–1924); signature visible along upper left edge (oriented vertically).
Style & Movement
American Post-Impressionism / The Eight (Ashcan School affiliate)
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; mosaic-like brushwork characterized by thick impasto and broken color patches reminiscent of Post-Impressionism.
Creation Period
Circa 1910–1918
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; landscape orientation (image currently rotated 90 degrees CCW).
Subject Description
A leisure scene depicting several female figures and children in a park or beach setting. The composition is compressed with a shallow depth of field, focused on decorative color patterns and flat, rhythmic forms. Two dogs are visible in the upper section.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the surface appears somewhat dark or aged, and the image quality suggests potential surface grime or varnish yellowing.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $350,000 (depending on size, medium, and authentication results)
Auction Estimate
$100,000 - $250,000
Provenance History
Likely passed through major American galleries specializing in Modernism (e.g., Kraushaar Galleries) or private East Coast collections; specific history requires physical inspection of verso labels.
Art Historical Significance
Prendergast was a bridge between 19th-century realism and 20th-century modernism. This work exemplifies his 'tapestry' style where figures become decorative elements in a larger color theory experiment.
Notable Features
Bold vertical signature 'Prendergast'; distinctive use of blocky, staccato brushstrokes that define his late-period style; complex color harmony featuring muted pinks, blues, and ochres.
Condition Issues
Visible craquelure across the heavily layered paint; localized fading; possible surface soot accumulation; evidence of canvas tension issues.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a qualified conservator to remove surface oxidation; UV-protective glazing; climate-controlled display (50% RH).