Lobster Shack / Coastal Village Architecture
Limited edition print (Lithograph or Serigraph) on heavy paper • Signature suggests an artist like Philip Plisson, Paul Landry, or similar mid-century regional illustrators specializing in coastal Americana (often associated with the Fairfield Center or New England schools).
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern illustration / Regionalist Realism
Medium & Technique
Multi-colored print likely utilizing lithography with expressive, ink-like line work, stippling, and layered earth tones to simulate watercolor or wash effects.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s–1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A vertical composition of stacked, weather-worn coastal buildings or fishing shacks on stilts. A prominent sign reads 'LOBSTERS'. Stylized seagulls flight around the pilings, with dark, moody reflections in the water below. The architecture is rendered with vertical 'drip' textures suggesting aged wood.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paper appears bright with no obvious foxing, though there is a slight ripple indicating possible humidity exposure inside the frame.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Numbered '101/500' in the lower-left corner indicating a mid-sized limited edition run. Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or regional art festival specializing in maritime art.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular 20th-century American interest in maritime lifestyle and coastal nostalgia. It bridges the gap between commercial illustration and fine art printmaking, common in coastal vacation registries of the period.
Notable Features
Hand-numbered '101/500' and pencil-signed by the artist. The use of a very dark, high-contrast palette for the lower reflections creates a dramatic tonal weight compared to the light buildings.
Condition Issues
Minor paper buckling/waviness near the bottom margin. Potential light fading if displayed under non-UV glass; slight mat burn may exist under the current framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free archival materials. Replace current glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent fading of the earth-tone inks.