Untitled (Three Figures with Fish-like Form)
Painting on canvas • Sabina Loring
Style & Movement
Mid-century Modernism / Cubist-influenced Figurative Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, featuring flat color planes, graphic black outlining, and textured brushwork in specific areas such as the fish scales and hair
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 40 inches; Square format
Subject Description
A stylized composition featuring three humanoid figures with fragmented, multi-faceted faces reminiscent of Picasso's late cubist period. A central figure or form carries a large fish-like object. The palette consists of earthy ochres, deep purples, and vibrant oranges, using heavy chiaroscuro and geometric partitioning of the features.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears taut and the paint film is stable with no immediate signs of flaking or significant loss.
Estimated Market Value
$2,000 - $5,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $3,000 USD
Provenance History
Signature 'Sabina Loring' visible in the lower right corner. Likely from a private collection or a smaller regional gallery specializing in mid-century American or European modernism.
Art Historical Significance
The work represents the mid-century trend of 'domesticating' Cubism into a more decorative, illustrative style. It shows the widespread influence of the School of Paris on international artists during the post-war period.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of graphic patterning on the left figure's sleeve and the fish. The signature is clear and serves as a primary identifier for this less-documented modernist artist.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt and slight yellowing of the varnish layer usual for its age. Possible faint stretcher bar marks visible along the top edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and a new UV-protective satin varnish. Display in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.