Venetian Serenade (Couple in Venice)
Original painting on heavy gauge paper or art board • Zamy Steynovitz (1951-2000)
Style & Movement
Neo-Expressionism / Romantic Imaginative Art, heavily influenced by Chagall and the Ecole de Paris
Medium & Technique
Mixed media, likely acrylic or gouache with possible oil pastel or crayon details. Techniques include heavy impasto-like application, visible dry brush strokes, and expressionistic color layering.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 9 inches; Portrait format executed in a central vignette styles within paper margins.
Subject Description
A romantic couple stands in the foreground; the woman holds a mandolin and wears a pearl necklace and yellow polka-dotted dress, while the man wears a hat. The background features iconic Venetian architectural elements (the Campanile di San Marco) and gondolas on a canal, rendered in vibrant, non-naturalistic colors symbolizing love and joy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The colors remain vibrant with no visible foxing, fading, or mechanical damage to the paper support.
Estimated Market Value
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial cruise ship gallery (e.g., Park West Gallery) or a contemporary print/painting distributor specializing in international Israeli artists.
Art Historical Significance
Steynovitz is a recognized master of contemporary Israeli art, known for blending Jewish heritage with universal themes of romance and peace. His work is characterized by a bright palette and whimsical subjects, serving as a bridge between high modernism and popular decorative art.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive signature 'Z. Steynovitz' in the lower right margin. The use of high-contrast primaries and the folk-art aesthetic is characteristic of his 'Venice' series.
Condition Issues
None apparent from the visual evidence. Minor curling at edge of paper common for unmounted works.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be framed under UV-protective glazing using acid-free archival matting. Avoid direct sunlight to preserve the fugitive pigments often found in vibrant mixed media.