Figures in a Park (often titled 'The Park' or 'Group of Women in Summer Dresses')
Framed print (likely a decorative color offset lithograph reproduction) • After Maurice Brazil Prendergast (American, 1858–1924). The signature 'Prendergast' is visible in the lower left corner.
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionism / American Modernism / The Eight. It features a tapestry-like quality reminiscent of the Nabis.
Medium & Technique
Originally oil on canvas; this reproduction is ink on paper. The original technique features thick impasto, broken brushwork, and a mosaic-like application of color.
Creation Period
Original created circa 1913-1915; this reproduction appears to be from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format. Estimated size is approximately 24 x 30 inches including frame.
Subject Description
A festive outdoor scene depicts a crowd of women and children in colorful summer dresses. A white horse with a rider is visible in the background. The composition is shallow, with figures flattened against a landscape background, emphasizing pattern and color over anatomical precision.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible fading and a blue-ish color shift common in aging mechanical prints. The paper shows slight rippling, and the matte is aging.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (as a decorative reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$20 - $80
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial print shop or museum gift shop. No specific gallery labels are visible in the provided image.
Art Historical Significance
Maurice Prendergast was a pioneer of American Modernism and the first American to appreciate Cézanne. His work bridged the gap between old-world traditions and the avant-garde, focusing on the leisure of the urban middle class.
Notable Features
Features the artist's characteristic 'mosaic' style where figures are treated as decorative dabs of color rather than individuals. The signature 'Prendergast' in the lower left is a key identifier.
Condition Issues
Significant UV-light fading (cyan/blue tint), possible foxing under the glass, and minor frame scuffing. Glossy reflections suggest standard glass which offers little UV protection.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further color degradation. If re-matting, use acid-free materials and UV-protective glass to stabilize its current state.