Nautical Interior with Fishing Gear
Print (likely an offset lithograph or limited edition reproduction), matted and framed • Homer C. LaGassey, Jr.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Maritime Art with an emphasis on technical illustration
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink style drawing, reproduced through printmaking. Techniques include cross-hatching, stippling, and linear hatching to create texture and depth.
Creation Period
1981 (as dated by the artist's printed mark)
Dimensions & Format
Medium-sized, oriented in a landscape format (viewable area appears to be approximately 12 x 16 or 16 x 20 inches).
Subject Description
The composition depicts a rustic interior, likely a boat shed or the deck of a wooden ship. Visible elements include a wooden bucket (pail) on a plank floor, hanging fishing nets, and structural timber beams. The focus is on the textures of weathered wood and the intricate patterns of the netting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The print is housed behind glass with a double mat. The paper appears clean and bright with no visible foxing, through the colors of the mat indicate it may not be acid-free.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in maritime or regional art in the 1980s. Private collection, USA.
Art Historical Significance
Homer C. LaGassey, Jr. is better known as an automotive designer for corporations like Ford; his personal artwork often showcases the same precision and line-work found in technical drafting. This work is part of his oeuvre exploring marine life and coastal scenery, common to artists of the Michigan/Great Lakes region or New England coast.
Notable Features
Includes a dual signature: a printed block-letter name for professional identification and a fluid, hand-signed pencil or ink signature below it, which increases its value over unsigned mass prints.
Condition Issues
Potential for acidic mat burn and light fading depending on age of framing materials. No visible physical damage to the paper substrate.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is kept out of direct sunlight to prevent fading of the ink. Consider rematting with archival acid-free materials to prevent 'mat burn' (discoloration of the paper edges).