Tango Dance at a Bar
Painting on panel or board • Chadwick (signed lower right 'CHADWICK')
Style & Movement
Contemporary Impressionism / Neo-Impressionism with influences of Social Realism
Medium & Technique
Pastel or mixed media (possibly oil pastel or thick gouache) on paper or board. The technique involves heavy, expressive impasto-like strokes and scumbling to create atmospheric light and movement.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (visual estimate); Horizontal Landscape format
Subject Description
A couple is depicted dancing a tango in the foreground, with the male's back to the viewer. In the background, patrons sit at a bar toward a window that looks out onto a soft-focus landscape. The composition focuses on the intimacy of the dance contrasted with the leisure of the social setting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the pigments appear vibrant and the surface structure is intact within a high-quality contemporary frame.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $900 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a contemporary art gallery or direct from the artist's studio; no visible historical labels are present on the front.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the enduring legacy of Impressionist nightlife scenes (recalling Degas or Manet) brought into a modern context. It captures a fleeting moment of urban social life with a focus on emotional dynamism and light.
Notable Features
Bold, confident signature in the lower right; unique heavy texture for a dry medium; elaborate 'scroll' pattern carved frame that adds a classic theatrical feel to the scene.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust; potential for slight pigment transfer if not behind glass (common for pastel/oil pastel works). The frame shows minor wear consistent with handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted behind UV-protective glass with a spacer to prevent the surface from touching the glazing. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.