The Perfect Afternoon (or similar descriptive title within the Victorian/Americana series)
Print, specifically a limited edition lithograph or serigraph on paper • Jane Wooster Scott (American, born 1934)
Style & Movement
Americana Folk Art / Naïve Art
Medium & Technique
Lithography or serigraphy reproducing an original oil painting; characterized by flat color zones and precise, illustrative outlines
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980-1995
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (image size); horizontal landscape orientation in a square-format frame
Subject Description
A nostalgic autumn scene featuring a Tudor-style manor, a white Victorian gazebo, and a horse-drawn carriage. The composition includes figures in 19th-century attire and fall foliage in vibrant reds and oranges, typical of the artist's celebration of rural American life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant through the glass, though minor acid burn from the matting may be present
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (dependent on edition size and signature verification)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or specialized Americana art dealer; original owner likely purchased during the height of the artist's popularity in the 1980s/90s
Art Historical Significance
Jane Wooster Scott is a preeminent figure in modern American Folk Art, often compared to Grandma Moses. Her work is significant for documenting a romanticized version of American heritage and is held in various public and private collections including the White House.
Notable Features
Includes the artist's signature in the lower right corner; captures the quintessential 'Americana' aesthetic through the juxtaposition of Victorian architecture and seasonal nature
Condition Issues
Potential light fading from UV exposure; possible paper rippling or mild foxing hidden behind the mat and glass
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free archival materials and protected by UV-filtering glass; avoid hanging in direct sunlight
Collector Notes
Jane Wooster Scott