Summer Day (In the Park)
Art print on paper (Likely a vintage lithograph or high-quality offset reproduction) • Maurice Prendergast (American, 1858–1924). The signature visible in the upper left is part of the reproduction.
Style & Movement
American Post-Impressionism / Modernism. Associated with 'The Eight' and the Ashcan School.
Medium & Technique
Mechanical reproduction after an original oil painting. The original technique employs a mosaic-like application of oil paint known as 'chromatic patch' work.
Creation Period
Original oil created circa 1918-1923; this print likely mid-to-late 20th century.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
A dense, frieze-like composition of figures (predominantly women and children) and animals in a leisure park setting. The composition emphasizes pattern and color rhythms over realistic perspective, utilizing flattened forms and a tapestry-like texture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is visible fading and potential sun damage, a common issue for mass-market vintage prints.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $75 (as a decorative reproduction/print)
Auction Estimate
$10 - $50
Provenance History
Unknown. The framing style suggests residential ownership from the 1970s-1990s. No specific gallery or exhibition labels are visible on the front.
Art Historical Significance
Maurice Prendergast was a bridge between American Impressionist and European Modernist styles. He was one of the first American artists to embrace Cézanne's structural approach to color. While this specific item is a reproduction, the original work is highly significant for its 'tapestry' style developed late in his career.
Notable Features
Features the artist's signature printed in the upper left corner. The frame and matting appear to be budget-grade commercial products rather than archival custom framing.
Condition Issues
Color shift/fading (pinks and blues appear muted), minor undulation of the paper within the frame, and surface dust accumulation behind the glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further UV fading. If the backing is acidic cardboard, replacing it with acid-free matting would prevent 'burning' or yellowing of the paper over time.