Grid Landscape with Architectural and Cloud Formations
Original painting on stretched canvas • Ron Herbert (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Semi-Abstract Narrative
Medium & Technique
Mixed media likely involving acrylic and/or oil with impasto elements in the lower foreground clouds; applied in a grid-like sequence or triptych-style arrangement on a single support.
Creation Period
Dated 1966 (inscribed as '10/66' after the signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 24 inches; Square format
Subject Description
The composition is divided into a 4x4 grid. The top rows represent a repeatable cityscape across a watery horizon with green foliage. The lower rows transition into more abstract, mushroom-cloud-like formations, potentially suggesting a narrative of industrialization or ecological/nuclear consequences. The color palette is dominated by cool blues, greens, and grays.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; Visible surface grime and potential moisture damage (upper left corner). The wooden frame shows wear.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; likely acquired in the mid-to-late 20th century. The signature 'RON HERBERT 10/66' is clearly inscribed in the lower right corner.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-20th-century regional American abstraction, exploring seriality and the grid which were prominent motifs in 1960s art. It reflects the period's anxieties regarding urban sprawl and environmental change.
Notable Features
The 'mosaic' or grid layout is unique for the period's landscape painting. The contrast between the flatly painted cityscapes and the thick impasto of the white 'clouds' at the bottom creates a tactile hierarchy.
Condition Issues
Notable water staining in the upper left corner. Some cracking or loss of pigment may be present in the impasto areas. The primitive wooden frame is roughly constructed and shows aging.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional conservator is recommended to remove grime. The work should be reframed using archival materials and UV-protective glazing to prevent further staining and fading.