New England Church (possibly a view of Litchfield, CT or similar colonial revival architecture)
Print, specifically a lithograph on paper • Stow Wengenroth (American, 1906–1989), signed in pencil lower right.
Style & Movement
American Regionalism / American Realism; characterized by a focus on rural or small-town motifs with high technical precision.
Medium & Technique
Lithography; hand-drawn on stone or plate using greasy crayon/pencil resulting in rich velvety blacks and subtle tonal gradations in the sky. Technique emphasizes sharp contrasts and architectural precision.
Creation Period
Circa 1930s-1940s, based on the signature and Regionalist stylistic hallmarks.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sight size); Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
Close-up architectural view of a white clapboard church with four Ionic columns supporting a portico. Strong diagonal shadows are cast across the facade and columns, likely from the tall trees to the right. The composition is framed by a low-angle perspective, emphasizing the height of the spire and the density of the foliage against a clouded sky.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. Functional but shows signs of aging.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD, depending on the rarity of the specific scene.
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD.
Provenance History
Indications of an edition numbered '58/60' in pencil lower left. Private collection, likely acquired through an American print gallery or estate sale.
Art Historical Significance
Stow Wengenroth was one of the most respected lithographers of the mid-20th century. This work illustrates the Regionalist fascination with New England's light and architectural heritage, echoing the themes of his contemporaries like Grant Wood or Thomas Hart Benton, but with a stricter focus on tonal realism and architectural solitude.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Stow Wengenroth' in pencil. The edition numbering '58/60' indicates a relatively small and desirable run. The lighting effects (chiaroscuro) on the columns are a hallmark of Wengenroth's mastery of the medium.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots) in the upper sky area and near the top edge. Toning of the paper consistent with age and exposure to non-acid-free framing materials. Possible slight rippling of paper.
Conservation Recommendations
Requires deacidification treatment by a paper conservator to remove foxing and stabilize the paper. Re-framing with UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting is strongly recommended to prevent further discoloration.