Ships Ahoy!
Print, specifically a limited edition lithograph or serigraph on paper • Jane Wooster Scott (American, born 1944)
Style & Movement
Americana / Contemporary Folk Art / Naïve Art
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/serigraphy based on an original oil painting; features flat color application, meticulous line work, and a vibrant palette characteristic of commercial printing for the fine art market.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, likely circa 1980-1995
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); Landscape format within a rectangular frame.
Subject Description
A nostalgic seaside scene depicting the 'Yarmouth Yacht Club'. The composition includes a two-masted schooner offshore, a lighthouse, a bustling yacht club building adorned with nautical flags, and figures dressed in late 19th-century attire. The work evokes a sense of idealized, quintessential American coastal life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears well-preserved within its frame, though the matting shows some age.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Acquired through the primary or secondary art market; Scott's works were widely distributed through galleries like Circle Gallery in the 1980s and 90s.
Art Historical Significance
Jane Wooster Scott is one of the most popular Americana artists of the late 20th century, cited by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most reproduced artist in America. Her work continues the tradition of Grandma Moses, romanticizing American history and leisure.
Notable Features
Includes the printed title 'Ships Ahoy!' and the artist signature 'Wooster Scott' in the lower right corner, along with a copyright symbol characteristic of her published editions.
Condition Issues
Possible light fading due to UV exposure; slight toning of the paper; frame shows minor peripheral wear; the white matting shows signs of acidity/yellowing.
Conservation Recommendations
If the matting is not acid-free, it should be replaced with archival materials to prevent 'mat burn.' Use UV-protective glass to preserve the ink colors from fading.
Collector Notes
Jane Wooster Scott signed