San Francisco Plantation (from the Great Houses of the South series)
Limited edition print / Offset lithograph on archival paper • Robert Hutchison Parker (American, 1941-2012)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism with Southern Regionalist influence; romanticized architectural illustration.
Medium & Technique
Mechanical offset lithography based on an original watercolor or gouache painting; features printed signature and likely a hand-signed pencil signature in the lower margin.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated image size 18 x 24 inches; Landscape format. Framed with a double mat in a gilded wood frame.
Subject Description
A detailed depiction of the San Francisco Plantation House in Garyville, Louisiana. The composition showcases the unique 'Steamboat Gothic' architecture of the 19th-century estate set within a lush, atmospheric garden at sunset or dusk. Soft lighting emanates from the windows, suggesting a nostalgic and serene narrative.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The print appears well-preserved under glass, though slight color shifting toward blue/magenta is typical for offset prints of this age.
Estimated Market Value
USD $150 - $300 (Value varies based on whether it is part of a numbered series or an open edition)
Auction Estimate
USD $50 - $150
Provenance History
Acquired via retail art gallery or local heritage foundation. Common in private collections across the Southern United States, particularly Louisiana and Mississippi.
Art Historical Significance
Parker is renowned for documenting historic Southern architecture. His work serves as an important visual record of the preservation movement in the South, particularly regarding Louisiana's River Road plantations.
Notable Features
Features the artist's characteristic attention to architectural detail and atmospheric 'glow'. Clearly shows the hand-signed signature in the lower right margin and an edition number/title in the lower left.
Condition Issues
Minor frame abrasions; likely some acid-burn from non-archival matting if not updated; slight fading due to UV exposure (glare on glass indicates standard rather than museum glass).
Conservation Recommendations
If not already present, remount with acid-free museum-grade matting and replace standard glass with UV-protective glazing to prevent further pigment fading.