Rue Spinola - Bastia
Original print (etching or woodcut) with hand-coloring on paper • Guido Colucci (Italian, 1877-1949)
Style & Movement
Art Nouveau / Liberty Style influence with early 20th-century European etching traditions
Medium & Technique
Etching or woodcut with hand-applied watercolor or gouache; relief printing with intricate line work and decorative border
Creation Period
Circa 1920-1940
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 35 cm (print size); vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A narrow street scene in Bastia, Corsica, featuring historic architecture, stone stairs, and arched passageways. The central image is framed by a decorative border of entwined vine leaves and geometric patterns. Figures are visible in the distant archway.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible foxing and discoloration on the matting and paper margins
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a limited edition (numbered in upper left corner); pencil signature and title visible on the lower margin suggest direct artist sale or gallery distribution.
Art Historical Significance
Colucci was a recognized Italian painter and engraver known for his topographic and atmospheric views of Mediterranean cities. This work represents his ethnographic interest in Corsican life and architecture.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Guido Colucci' in pencil; titled 'Rue Spinola - Bastia' in pencil; numbered edition (partially obscured); unique decorative floral border characteristic of Colucci's printmaking style.
Condition Issues
Yellowing of the paper (acidification), distinct foxing spots across the mat and print margins, potential light fading of pigments, and age-related wear to the wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning to remove foxing, replacement of non-archival matting with acid-free museum board, and reframing with UV-protective glass.