San Miguel de Allende (Patio)
Photograph, matted and framed • Louis S. Spear
Style & Movement
Contemporary Travel and Architectural Photography; Realism with an emphasis on geometric abstraction through light and shadow.
Medium & Technique
C-type print or digital color photograph on paper, characterized by natural sunlight lighting and high-contrast shadow play.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, specifically dated 1984 based on the inscription next to the signature (marked '84').
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches for the photo, with a frame size of roughly 14 x 18 inches. Vertical/Portrait format.
Subject Description
The photograph depicts a sun-drenched courtyard or patio in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It features a characteristic stucco staircase adorned with potted plants, decorative wrought-iron work including an arched gate and a wall-mounted lantern, and rhythmic diagonal shadows cast by foliage.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The print shows visible signs of acid-burn/browning on the original matting and slight color shifting or fading typical of older color prints.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a regional gallery in the 1980s. Contains a handwritten artist signature and location title on the lower margin of the mat or print.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the late 20th-century trend of documenting traditional Mexican architecture for North American collectors. It captures the specific cultural aesthetic of colonial Mexico through a formalist lens of light and geometry.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Louis S. Spear 84' in the bottom right corner and inscribed with the location 'San Miguel de Allende Patio' in the bottom left, providing clear documentation of its origin.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing or spotting on the mat board; potential ultraviolet light fading; the frame appears to be a standard production wood frame with minor edge wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the acidic mat board with 100% acid-free museum-grade matting to prevent further discoloration. Mount behind UV-protective glass and keep away from direct sunlight.
Collector Notes
Louis Spear