Harbor Scene (Abstracted Boats)
Limited edition print (Lithograph or Serigraph) on paper • Nicola Simbari (Italian, 1927–2012); visible signature in bottom right corner and edition number 160/300 in bottom left.
Style & Movement
Semi-Abstract Expressionism / European Modernism; influenced by Italian 'Spazialismo' and School of Paris colorists.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography or screen-printing; characterized by flat planes of vibrant color and overlapping transparent shapes that suggest a marine environment.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 30 inches (image) / 30 x 36 inches (framed); Landscape orientation.
Subject Description
An abstracted depiction of a marina or harbor. The composition uses vertical lines to represent boat masts and horizontal blocks of primary and secondary colors to represent hulls and reflections in the water. The background features ethereal, soft-edged blocks of color suggesting sky and coastal atmosphere.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with minimal fading, though some slight rippling/waving of the paper is visible under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$600 – $1,200 USD (including frame value)
Auction Estimate
$300 – $700 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 160/300, indicating a mid-sized commercial print run common for the artist's work sold through international galleries and art brokers in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Simbari was a popular 20th-century Italian artist known for his 'Neo-Figurative' style. His work bridged the gap between traditional Mediterranean subjects and mid-century abstraction, gaining significant commercial success in the United States and Europe.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil; portion of an edition of 300. Elaborate wooden gold-finished frame with a black inner fillet, typical of high-end gallery presentation from the 1980s.
Condition Issues
Minor 'cockling' or waving of the paper substrate, likely due to changes in humidity and the way the print is mounted within the frame. Potential minor acidity from original matting if not archival.
Conservation Recommendations
Check if mount is acid-free; if not, re-mount with archival materials. Consider UV-protective glass to prevent future fading of the vibrant pigments. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight.