Portrait of a Young Boy with Toys
Painting on canvas • Patsy Arrington (Dorset artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism; specifically Regionalist Portraiture characterized by a sentimental and illustrative approach.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing soft blending and sfumato-like transitions to render skin tones and the plush textures of the toys.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, likely circa 1980s-1990s based on the toy's design and clothing style.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 20 inches; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A full-length portrait of a young blonde boy sitting on the floor. He holds a teddy bear and a blue blanket, with a red toy truck towing a boat (marked 'Bass Tracker') in the foreground. The composition is intimate and nostalgic, capturing early childhood innocence through cherished objects.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; the surface appears stable with minimal visible aging, housed in a stained wood frame.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Privately owned by the family or client; likely a commissioned piece by the Dorset-based artist Patsy Arrington.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century British regional portraiture. The work serves as a personal document of childhood, reflecting the local artistic traditions of Dorset and the demand for representational family commissions.
Notable Features
Includes specific contemporary cultural markers such as the 'Bass Tracker' toy branding, which provides a definitive time-stamp for the piece.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and light yellowing of varnish; potential subtle stretcher bar marks visible on the left edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning and a new coat of non-yellowing damar varnish; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.
Collector Notes
Patsy arrington Dorset artist