Lighthouse at Sunset (possibly Bodie Island or Currituck Beach)
Photograph, likely a digital print or chromogenic print • Don Messer (signed in graphite on the lower right margin of the matting)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Landscape/Scenic Photography
Medium & Technique
Color photography with high-saturation printing technique; likely inkjet or laser print on photographic paper
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (c. 1990-2015)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8x10 or 11x14 inches image size; landscape format; framed with white matting in a black gallery frame.
Subject Description
A silhouette of a tall lighthouse tower standing against a deep red and orange sunset sky. The sun is partially obscured by a dark tree line or coastal scrub in the mid-ground. The composition uses high contrast to create a dramatic, atmospheric effect focusing on the celestial and architectural shapes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible reflection on the glass indicates it is protected, but there appears to be slight undulation in the paper under the mat.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; likely purchased from a local gallery or regional art fair, common for contemporary landscape photographers.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of regional scenic photography focused on coastal landmarks. While it may not hold global art-historical weight, it serves as an important record of local heritage and the aestheticization of coastal topographies.
Notable Features
Hand-signed signature on the matting by 'Don Messer.' The use of a very low aperture or long focal length has compressed the sun's size relative to the lighthouse, emphasizing the scale of the landscape.
Condition Issues
Slight bowing or 'cockling' of the paper support within the frame; potential for minor UV fading if displayed in direct sunlight; slight dusty buildup on the frame exterior.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free matting to prevent foxing; replace standard glass with UV-protective museum glass; keep away from high humidity and direct sunlight.