Golden Gate
Limited edition print (likely a lithograph or serigraph) on paper • John Kelly (American, b. 1939)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism with Impressionistic influence; often classified as Californian Coastal Art.
Medium & Technique
Multi-colored printmaking technique incorporating both linear drawing elements and tonal washes to simulate atmospheric fog and water texture.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, likely circa 1980-1995.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 30 inches framed; landscape format.
Subject Description
Landscape depiction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The composition features the bridge towers emerging from a heavy fog bank, a rocky coastline in the foreground, and a view looking across the water. It captures the iconic atmospheric conditions of the Bay Area.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition; the print appears flat within the frame, and colors remain vibrant, though there is a slight possibility of minor paper oxidation depending on the age of the matting.
Estimated Market Value
$250 - $600 USD (dependent on current retail demand for the artist's regional works).
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD.
Provenance History
Numbered edition (183/275) indicates a commercial gallery or private collection history. No specific provenance labels are visible in the image.
Art Historical Significance
John Kelly is a well-known contemporary artist recognized for his nautical and San Francisco-themed works. While commercially successful, his prints represent the popularization of regionalist landscape art in the late 20th century rather than a radical shift in art history.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in the lower right; hand-titled 'Golden Gate' in the center; numbered 183/275 in the lower left. Features a double-matting with a thin red accent line that echoes the 'International Orange' color of the bridge.
Condition Issues
Visible reflection on glass suggests potential for UV light exposure if not protected; minor edge wear on the frame; potential acidification from non-archival mat board if original gallery framing.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted behind UV-protective glass and use 100% acid-free museum-grade matting to prevent foxing and 'mat burn'.