Leaving in the Rain
Limited edition print (lithograph or giclee) on paper • Steve Hanks (American, 1949–2015)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Emotional Realism
Medium & Technique
Photorealistic watercolor reproduction; original created using transparent watercolor washes and meticulous detail
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (Original painting circa 1990s-2000s)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated paper size approximately 20 x 40 inches including margins
Subject Description
A solitary woman in a black dress sits on a vintage trunk at a train station in the rain. She holds a black umbrella while looking toward an approaching train in the distance. The composition emphasizes reflection on the wet brick platform and a sense of poignant departure or transition.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print appears stable within its frame, though the matting shows some age and slight discoloration
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 (Value depends on whether it is a signed/numbered limited edition or a poster reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a commercial art gallery or decor retailer; typical of high-quality mass-marketed art prints from the 1990-2010 era
Art Historical Significance
Steve Hanks was widely considered one of the finest watercolorists of his time, known for his 'emotional realism' and mastery of light and reflection. This piece is one of his most recognizable and commercially successful images, capturing a cinematic sense of nostalgia.
Notable Features
Features the artist's printed signature in the lower right; includes a title plaque 'Leaving in the Rain by Steve Hanks' centered on the matting
Condition Issues
Possible minor UV fading due to light exposure; matting appears dated and may not be acid-free; some glare from non-museum grade glass
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass to prevent further fading of the watercolor pigments