Old Sailing Ship
Print with hand-coloring on paper • Fossatti (attributed based on the stylized signature at the bottom right)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern illustration / Nautical Art
Medium & Technique
Lithograph or offset lithograph with watercolor wash and ink accents; features a graphic, illustrative line-drawing technique
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches (sight size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A stylized depiction of a weathered two-masted schooner or sailing ship moored at a dock. The composition uses gestural, expressive ink lines to suggest rigging and structure, with subdued watercolor washes for the sky and sea.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; the paper shows significant foxing and moisture staining in the upper register
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired as a decorative piece for a residential setting; the framing suggests mid-century origins
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popularity of nautical-themed decorative illustration in the post-war era, showcasing a move toward more expressionistic, sketch-like graphics in commercial and residential art
Notable Features
Distinctive cursive title 'old sailing ship' inscribed bottom left and a stylized 'Fossatti' signature bottom right; typical 1960s-era metallic finished wood frame
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots due to fungal growth or oxidation), acidity issues from original matting, and moisture damage in the upper center and left background areas
Conservation Recommendations
Requires deacidification treatment and professional cleaning to mitigate foxing; should be reframed using archival, acid-free matting and UV-protective glass