Seated Figure by a Window
Original painting on canvas • Marsha Harrold
Style & Movement
American Figurative Expressionism / Modern Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil or heavy acrylic on canvas, featuring expressive impasto and visible brushwork
Creation Period
Circa late 20th century (1970s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 36 x 24 inches; Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
A contemplative male figure in profile, seated on a high-backed wooden chair facing a multi-pane window. The composition focuses on the play of warm, late-afternoon light (chiaroscuro) casting long shadows and illuminating the subject's red shirt and the wall behind him in vibrant greens and oranges. The mood is solitary and introspective.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the work shows signs of age consistent with a late 20th-century piece
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600
Provenance History
Private collection; signed verso by the artist Marsha Harrold. Minimal history beyond original acquisition from the artist or regional exhibition.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the tradition of American figurative painting that emphasizes emotional interiority and atmospheric lighting. While the artist is not currently a major household name in the global blue-chip market, the work demonstrates strong technical proficiency in color theory and compositional balance.
Notable Features
Signature on reverse; distinctive use of a high-key green palette for shadow areas; heavy gestural application of paint in the figure's clothing.
Condition Issues
Slight surface grime, minor paint thinning in darker areas, and potential light craquelure near the stretcher bars. The frame shows minor scuffing.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust/grime; ensure the work is kept out of direct sunlight to prevent pigment fading. Consider a modern archival frame to enhance stability.
Collector Notes
Signed on back Marsha Harrold