Moonlight
Print on paper, likely a lithograph or high-quality offset lithograph, framed. • Attributed to Behrens (based on the cursive signature in the upper right margin, consistent with the style of Howard Behrens).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Romantic Realism / California Impressionism. The style is characterized by a luminous, idyllic depiction of a coastal Mediterranean-style scene.
Medium & Technique
Ink on paper. Created using a mechanical printing process from an original painting, possibly gouache or acrylic. Features vibrant color saturated areas and meticulous linear details in the water reflections.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (inclusive of matting); Landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A nocturnal Mediterranean harbor scene (suggestive of Portofino or the Amalfi Coast). The composition features a hillside village with illuminated windows, a full moon in the dark blue sky, and several boats moored along a quay. The central focus is the shimmering golden reflection of village lights on the water's surface.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears well-preserved within the frame, though there may be slight acidity in the non-archival matting.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD (Secondary market value for a framed, signed, and numbered commercial print by this artist).
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD (Commonly found in local estate or general decorative arts auctions).
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery, cruise ship auction, or decor retailer. A 'Price $15' green sticker is visible on the glass, suggesting a second-hand market or thrift shop history.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popularity of 'Vacation Art' and romanticized European landscapes in the late 20th-century American print market. Howard Behrens was known as one of the masters of the palette knife, though this print smooths those textures out.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Behrens' in the upper right margin; inscribed 'Moonlight' in the center-right margin; numbered '124/150' in the bottom right, indicating a relatively small edition size for a commercial print.
Condition Issues
Visible debris or spotting under the glass. The paper shows slight undulation. The frame is a standard oak-style molding typical of 1990s retail framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace the current mat with acid-free museum board to prevent 'mat burn.' Use UV-protective glass if the artwork is to be displayed in a bright room to prevent fading of the blue and yellow inks.