The Picnic (also known as 'Summer Day' or 'In the Park')
Painting on support, likely oil on canvas or panel (based on known artist style), currently presented under glass which may indicate a print or a paper-mounted work. • Maurice Brazil Prendergast (1858–1924)
Style & Movement
American Post-Impressionism / The Eight (Ashcan School affiliate). Influenced by the Nabis and Fauvism.
Medium & Technique
Oil or tempera. The technique is characteristic of 'mosaic' brushwork, involving broad, flat dabs of pigment applied in a decorative, frieze-like pattern. It mimics the texture of tapestry or stained glass.
Creation Period
Circa 1914–1915
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 18 inches (visual estimate). Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A festive outdoor scene featuring figures in summer attire, children, and animals (horses or dogs appearing in the upper register). The composition is flattened with no traditional perspective, focusing on the rhythm of color and shape across the surface. The narrative conveys leisure and the idyllic beauty of a public park or seaside.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There is significant glare in the documentation image. The paper/canvas appears slightly buckled, and there is possible fading due to UV exposure if not protected by museum-grade glass.
Estimated Market Value
$500,000 - $1,200,000 (if original oil); $50 - $300 (if color print/reproduction)
Auction Estimate
$400,000 - $800,000 (if original oil); $20 - $100 (if reproduction)
Provenance History
Signature 'Prendergast' is visible in the upper left corner. This specific image is a well-known composition; if original, it would likely have passed through the Kraushaar Galleries or major American estates. It is frequently reproduced as high-quality lithographs or gallery prints.
Art Historical Significance
Prendergast was a bridge between American academic realism and European modernism. This work represents his mature style, characterized by a joyous 'mosaic' of color that prioritizes decorative abstraction over realistic detail, a key step in the development of American modern art.
Notable Features
The distinctive vertical signature in the upper left quadrant. The use of a high horizon line and the repetition of rounded forms which create a rhythmic, musical quality across the composition.
Condition Issues
Visible glare from the camera obstructing detail. Small amount of warping in the lower left corner. Possible acidity from the mounting board (yellowing of the matting edge).
Conservation Recommendations
Authentification by an expert is required to determine if it is a print or original. If original, it should be removed from the current frame, de-acidified, and re-framed with UV-filtering museum glass and acid-free archival materials.