The Just Shall Live by Faith (Romans 1:17)
Painting on canvas • M. Richards (signed lower right); professional or semi-professional devotional artist.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realistic Folk Art with Devotional/Religious themes.
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas, utilizing wet-on-wet blending for the sky and clouds with some impasto highlights on the boat and white-capped waves.
Creation Period
Late 20th century to early 21st century (circa 1980-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; Landscape format.
Subject Description
A beached or shallow-water sailboat (possibly a Bahamian sloop or local skiff) resting on a shoreline under a vast, cloud-filled blue sky. The composition is horizontally oriented with the sea in the foreground and a line of vegetation to the left. A handwritten biblical inscription from Romans 1:17 appears in the lower right quadrant, providing a spiritual narrative of perseverance and divine guidance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears taut with vibrant colors and no visible surface abrasions or significant aging.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely a private purchase from a regional gallery, church-affiliated art sale, or local artist studio; currently bears a secondary market tag (879) suggesting recent estate or thrift sale positioning.
Art Historical Significance
The work belongs to a genre of regional devotional art where the landscape serves as a metaphor for spiritual peace. It reflects a tradition of nautical imagery used in Christian iconography to symbolize the journey of the soul.
Notable Features
Features a prominent handwritten biblical quote 'The just shall live by faith Romans 1:17' and is housed in a contemporary gilded composite frame with a beaded inner liner.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation on the frame and surface; no significant cracking, yellowing, or structural issues are visible in the current image.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning and placement away from direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the pigments and the handwritten inscription.