Waikiki Sunset with Diamond Head
Original Painting or Embellished Giclée on Canvas • Christian Riese Lassen (Signed in the lower left corner)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Marine Art / Tropical Romanticism
Medium & Technique
Acrylic and/or Oil on canvas; likely high-resolution printing with hand-painted 'highlights' (embellishments) to enhance the glow of the sunset and city lights.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape format; estimated image size 18 x 24 inches (approx. 24 x 30 inches including frame).
Subject Description
A vibrant dusk scene of Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, featuring the iconic silhouettes of high-rise hotels and Diamond Head in the background. The composition focuses on the play of light between the setting sun, the artificial lights of the city, and the breaking surf reflecting on the wet sand.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the canvas appears taut and the colors are vibrant with no visible craquelure or fading.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 (Variation depends on whether the piece is a fully original oil or a limited edition embellished canvas).
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,200 (Secondary market values for commercial contemporary art often trail original gallery retail prices).
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery (e.g., Lassen Galleries or Wyland Galleries) or via a cruise ship auction (Park West Gallery), where Lassen's work is frequently distributed.
Art Historical Significance
Christian Riese Lassen is a leading figure in the 'environmental art' and 'marine art' movement. His work popularized the hyper-realist, neon-inflected aesthetics of Hawaii and influenced the 1990s aesthetic toward tropical conservation art.
Notable Features
Distinctive gold-toned signature 'Lassen' in the lower left corner; mounted in a high-gloss, burlwood-style luxury frame typical of high-end commercial Hawaii galleries.
Condition Issues
No major issues visible; minor dust accumulation on the frame's ornate 'bead' trim.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the pigments; maintain stable humidity to prevent canvas sag.