St. Jean - Bastia
Original colored woodcut or linocut on paper • Guido Colucci (1877-1949)
Style & Movement
Art Nouveau / Post-Impressionism with Japanese woodblock (Ukiyo-e) influence
Medium & Technique
Multi-block color relief print (woodcut or linocut) with hand-coloring; decorative Art Nouveau border with vine motifs
Creation Period
Circa 1920-1940
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 35 cm; Portrait format with decorative border
Subject Description
A view of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and the Old Port (Vieux Port) in Bastia, Corsica. Figures of fishermen or dockworkers are seen in the foreground on the quay, while the background features the dual-belled facade of the church overlooking a canal with small boats.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print shows minor toning and slight yellowing consistent with age but remains stable
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $700 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Hand-signed 'Guido Colucci' in graphite (lower right) and titled 'St. Jean - Bastia' (lower left). Pencil notation '2-50' in the upper margin suggests a limited edition or inventory number.
Art Historical Significance
Guido Colucci was a prominent Italian printmaker known for his topographical scenes of the Mediterranean. This work is significant for its fusion of traditional printmaking with the decorative aesthetics of the early 20th-century Italian Liberty style.
Notable Features
Features a unique elaborate border of intertwined vines and grapes, characteristic of Colucci's more decorative illustrations, and clear linear definition in the architectural details.
Condition Issues
Light acid burn from previous matting, minor surface dust, and negligible foxing in the upper margin
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current acidic mount; re-frame using acid-free, museum-grade materials and UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing