Two Ladies at the Harbor (attributed to Patric)
Original painting or high-quality mixed media work on paper • Patric (signed lower right); often associated with commercial contemporary artists distributed through cruise ship galleries and commercial decor dealers.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Decorative Neo-Fauvism; heavily influenced by the style of Itzchak Tarkay and the Belle Époque aesthetic.
Medium & Technique
Watercolor or gouache with possible acrylic highlights; features deckled edges of handmade paper and vibrant, flat color planes typical of post-impressionist illustration style.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (circa 1995-2015)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches (excluding frame); Landscape format.
Subject Description
Two elegantly dressed socialite women are seated in a cafe or terrace overlooking a bustling harbor filled with sailboats. A third figure is visible in the background. The scene emphasizes leisure, vibrant textiles, and a whimsical, romanticized European atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no visible foxing, though there is a prominent vertical light reflection across the glass in the photograph which is not a physical defect.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD (for an original work on paper by this artist)
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial art gallery or an auction house specializing in decorative contemporary art (e.g., Park West Gallery). Original purchase labels are likely on the reverse of the frame.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular 'Cafe Society' genre of the late 20th century. While not a primary mover in art history, it reflects the enduring commercial appeal of the Fauvist use of color and the stylistic legacy of Matisse and Tarkay in modern interior design.
Notable Features
Distinctive deckled edges of the paper are floated within the matting; prominent 'Patric' signature in the lower right corner; high-contrast decorative frame with a gold beaded filet.
Condition Issues
None visible from the image; the piece appears well-preserved behind glass. Potential for minor paper waving (cockling) due to the heavy application of water-based media.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the pigments. Ensure the use of acid-free matting if re-framed and maintain a stable humidity environment.