The Riders (alternatively Horses and Figures in a Landscape)
Painting on canvas or board • Maurice Brazil Prendergast (Canadian-American, 1858–1924)
Style & Movement
American Modernism / Post-Impressionism (specifically related to 'The Eight' or the Ashcan School, though more stylistically aligned with European Post-Impressionists like Vuillard and Bonnard).
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas (or potentially watercolor/pastel on paper if a study); executed with a heavy impasto mosaic-like technique.
Creation Period
Circa 1910–1915
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 12 inches (estimated); vertical portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A group of figures and riders on horseback in a stylized landscape. The composition is compressed with a flattened perspective, utilizing a mosaic of color patches to create form. It depicts a leisurely, outdoor scene typical of the artist's interest in public parks and coastal resorts.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. Based on the photograph, the surface appears intact, though color saturation may be slightly muted by age or lighting.
Estimated Market Value
$150,000 - $350,000 (provided it is a verified original oil; $20,000 - $50,000 if it is a secondary work on paper).
Auction Estimate
$100,000 - $250,000
Provenance History
Signature 'Prendergast' visible in the upper-left corner. Likely passed through the Kraushaar Galleries (New York) or the artist's estate managed by his brother, Charles Prendergast.
Art Historical Significance
Maurice Prendergast was a pioneer of American Modernism and the only member of 'The Eight' whose work was truly Post-Impressionist. This piece reflects his transition into a mature 'tapestry' style that bridges the gap between American realism and European abstraction.
Notable Features
Distinctive blocky brushwork and the prominent vertical signature in the upper left, which is characteristic of his later, more sought-after period.
Condition Issues
Potential surface grime or yellowing of varnish; minor craquelure consistent with age-related drying of thick oil applications.
Conservation Recommendations
UV-protective glazing is recommended. Maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity to prevent the impasto from flaking or becoming brittle.