New Orleans Scene (Specific street/building unknown from excerpt)
Mechanical reproduction / Offset lithographic print on textured paper or cardstock • Don Davey (American, 1921–2003)
Style & Movement
Mid-century commercial illustration / Regionalist realism with a focus on travel and architectural scenery
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography simulating a combined media look (pencil and watercolor). The substrate features a mechanical embossed 'canvas' texture to mimic an original painting.
Creation Period
1968 (based on visible copyright date)
Dimensions & Format
Likely 8x10 or 11x14 inches; vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
The image displays architectural elements characteristic of the French Quarter in New Orleans, LA. The excerpt shows vertical structures and color washes in green and ochre, likely depicting a street corner or historical facade.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface abrasion, possible moisture staining, and notable fading of the color pigments typical for mass-produced light-sensitive prints.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $20 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced souvenir art. Originally sold through galleries in New Orleans (e.g., in the French Quarter) or gift shops. Likely acquired as a memento of travel.
Art Historical Significance
Don Davey was a prominent illustrator known for capturing the essence of American cities. While commercially focused, his work contributed to the 20th-century visual branding of New Orleans as a romantic, historical destination.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive vertical copyright stamp: '© 1968 DON DAVEY, NEW ORLEANS, LA.' The printed texture is designed to deceive the eye into perceiving the work as a more expensive original medium.
Condition Issues
Color fading, edge wear, surface scuffing across the textured embossing, and general yellowing of the paper stock.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further pigment degradation. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.