Three Ladies with Fans (alternatively known as 'The Gossips')
Limited edition print (serigraph or lithograph) on heavy art paper • Barbara A. Wood
Style & Movement
Contemporary Expressionism / Figurative Romanticism
Medium & Technique
Color serigraph or offset lithography after an original oil painting; featuring bold, gestural brushwork and heavy impasto-style textures translated to print
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 24 inches for the image; square format set within a landscape-oriented mat and frame
Subject Description
Three elegant women in formal evening gowns holding black fans. The composition focuses on the interaction and postures of the figures, utilizing a rich palette of reds, purples, and browns to create an atmospheric, social narrative of femininity and grace.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent/Very Good; the print appears well-preserved within its framing with no visible signs of fading, foxing, or moisture damage
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial art gallery or fine art cruise auction; lower-left edition number 327/950 and lower-right signature indicate a sanctioned limited edition release
Art Historical Significance
Barbara Wood's work is significant in the commercial contemporary art market for its accessibility and emotive use of color. Her work typically explores the inner lives and social rhythms of women, drawing inspiration from both post-impressionist color palettes and modern fashion illustration.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in the lower right margin; hand-numbered edition (327/950) in the lower left; features a decorative triple-matting and a contemporary black and gold gilt frame
Condition Issues
No significant issues visible; potential for slight acid burn from the matting over time if not archival-quality; minimal dust accumulation inside the frame
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV sunlight; ensure the use of acid-free mounting materials and UV-protective glass if reframed