Fishing Boats at St. Malo
Painting on canvas • Signed 'Hermann Plannels' or similar (appears to be a mid-century regional artist or decorator painter)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Impressionism / Regionalist Marine Painting
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing wet-on-wet brushwork with impasto highlights in the sails and water reflections
Creation Period
1948 (inscribed)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches; Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
Two traditional sailing vessels with vibrant orange and dark green sails navigating the waters off St. Malo, France. The composition features a low horizon line focusing on the verticality of the masts against a hazy, atmospheric sky, with the silhouette of the fortified city in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; visible surface grime and yellowing of the varnish consistent with age
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $250
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150
Provenance History
Likely acquired via secondary market or estate sale; features a contemporary price tag of $135 and a handwritten note 'Grandma's Memories'
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-20th-century commercial marine art. While not by a major master, it illustrates the post-WWII demand for European harbor scenes as decorative souvenirs and interior decor.
Notable Features
Distinctive localized titling 'ST. MALO' in the lower right and a specific date of 1948. The frame is a period-style gilt wood frame with beaded 'perle' detailing.
Condition Issues
Significant yellowing of the top varnish layer (oxidation), minor surface abrasions, and potential drying cracks in areas of thicker paint application
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and varnish removal/replacement would brighten the color palette. Should be kept in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.