Urban Cityscape with Trams
Work on paper; framed illustration • Attributed to Fred Uhp (signed 'Fred Uhp' lower right)
Style & Movement
Expressionist Realism/Commercial Illustration style
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and ink on paper; utilizes loose gestural sketching combined with light washes of color
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A vibrant urban scene depicting a street with two trams or cable cars moving toward the background. The composition features tall buildings with varied architectural styles including a gold-domed structure on the left and a pagoda-style roof in the center. Small figures are visible in the foreground.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible mild yellowing of the paper consistent with age under glass
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $700 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Unknown private collection; signature present in the lower right suggests professional or semi-professional production
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-to-late 20th-century trend of urban travel illustration, capturing the atmosphere of a bustling city through rapid, impressionistic linework.
Notable Features
Clear signature of the artist in the lower right corner; distinctive use of both architectural precision and loose, atmospheric sky washes.
Condition Issues
Slight acid-migration darkening around the edges of the matting; potential fading of watercolor pigments due to UV exposure; paper appears slightly wavy (cockling).
Conservation Recommendations
Reframing with acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glazing; keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the watercolor.