Autumn (attributed)
Painting on panel or paperboard • Attributed to Maurice Brazil Prendergast (American, 1858–1924)
Style & Movement
American Post-Impressionism / The Eight (Ashcan School group member, though stylistically distinct)
Medium & Technique
Oil or tempera on board; features a distinct 'mosaic' technique characteristic of the artist, involving dabs of broken color and heavy, textured application over a white ground.
Creation Period
Circa 1910–1915
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale landscape/horizontal format (Estimated 10 x 14 inches or similar)
Subject Description
A group of figures, possibly women and children with dogs, in a park or coastal setting. The composition uses flat, decorative forms and a rhythmic arrangement of figures that emphasizes pattern over 3D depth.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair-Good; the surface shows significant visible cracking (craquelure) and possible drying cracks, which are common in Prendergast's heavily layered late-career works.
Estimated Market Value
$40,000 - $150,000 (wide range depending on authentication results)
Auction Estimate
$30,000 - $50,000 (as 'Attributed to'); significantly higher if fully authenticated ($100,000+)
Provenance History
Unknown based on image; the signature 'Prendergast' appears in the lower left corner in a script consistent with his later monograms and signatures.
Art Historical Significance
Prendergast was the focus of the first major American adoption of Post-Impressionist theories. His work bridges the gap between American realism and European modernism (specifically influenced by Puvis de Chavannes and the Nabis).
Notable Features
The distinctive 'mosaic-like' brushwork and the signature style are the primary features. The figures of the dogs are rendered in a simplified, almost primitive silhouette common in his mature style.
Condition Issues
Prominent surface cracking across the center and lower-left quadrant. Possible yellowing of varnish or grime buildup. The integrity of the 'Prendergast' signature should be examined under UV light for later additions.
Conservation Recommendations
Full examination under UV light and infrared to check for underdrawings. Professional cleaning and stabilization of the cracking paint film. Framing in a Gilded Age or period-accurate carved gold-leaf frame.