Boy with a Guitar
Painting on canvas (likely stretched) • Sybil (identifiable by the signature 'Sybil' in the lower-left quadrant)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modernist Figuration / American Illustrative Impressionism
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas; features loose impasto and expressive brushwork
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 16 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A portrait of a young boy with dark, textured hair holding an acoustic guitar. The composition is intimate, focusing on the figure's concentration, set against a flat, pale green background. The style uses simplified planes and bold colors.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; visible surface grime and possible age-related darkening of the pigments
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 (USD)
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 (USD)
Provenance History
Likely acquired via secondary market or estate sale, evidenced by the modern price sticker '10.00' on the frame
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 1960s decorative art market; while not globally significant, it reflects the popularity of stylized, emotive portraiture in mid-century American interiors
Notable Features
Distinctive cursive 'Sybil' signature in the lower left; original period-appropriate wood frame with a linen-colored inner liner and gold-tone fillet
Condition Issues
Presence of surface dirt; visible craquelure in the thicker paint applications; the frame shows perimeter scuffs and dust accumulation
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional to remove grime; remounting if the canvas tension is loose; display away from direct UV light to prevent fading of the greens