Oceanic Light (depicting Christ of the Abyss)
Print (likely an offset lithographic reproduction) on heavy paper stock. • Thomas Deir (signed 'Thomas Deir 1992' in the lower right corner).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Marine Art / Christian Surreallism with New Age influences.
Medium & Technique
Mechanical printing based on an original oil or acrylic painting. The technique imitates atmospheric glazes and dramatic chiaroscuro with high-contrast marine lighting.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (Dated 1992 based on the visible signature).
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
The composition features the 'Christ of the Abyss' (Il Cristo degli Abissi) statue submerged on a vibrant coral reef. Beams of heavenly light descend from the ocean surface onto the figure. The scene is populated by dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish, framed by the silhouette of an underwater cavern that suggests a human profile.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. There are visible handling marks, surface abrasions, and a lack of protective framing.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD (Value for an unsigned, mass-produced open-edition offset print).
Auction Estimate
$5 - $20 USD (Typically sold as grouped lots in estate or general auctions).
Provenance History
Mass-marketed print, likely purchased at a gallery or tourist boutique in Hawaii or Florida, common for this artist's distribution.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 1990s trend of 'Environmental Art' popularized by artists like Christian Riese Lassen, combining ecological themes with spiritual or religious iconography.
Notable Features
The most notable feature is the 'hidden face' composition where the cave walls form a profile, and the inclusion of the artist’s characteristic vivid blue palette.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches in the upper center, corner softening, slight yellowing of the paper borders, and light foxing/spotting on the white paper edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Mounting using acid-free materials and UV-protective glass to prevent further fading and protect the delicate ink surface from moisture.