Chownings Tavern Print Appraisal

Chowning's Tavern Williamsburg, Virginia by Andrew Paul

This is a framed, multi-matted illustrative print depicting the historic Chowning's Tavern in Williamsburg, Virginia. The artwork is oriented horizontally and features a detailed architectural rendering of the tavern with green foliage and a traditional street lamp in the foreground. It is signed in the lower left corner by the artist, Andrew Paul, with accompanying text identifying the location and the artist's name. The print appears to be a limited or hand-signed edition, as suggested by the handwritten '685' in the upper left corner. The framing is professional, consisting of a double mat layout: a wide outer mat in dark forest green with a marbled texture and a narrow inner mat in a deep burgundy or mahogany tone. The frame itself is a contemporary metallic silver or champagne-finished wood or composite, featuring high-quality bead-and-reel detailing along the inner lip. The overall construction suggests a late 20th-century commemorative or souvenir piece designed for the Colonial Williamsburg market. The condition appears excellent with no visible foxing, fading of pigments, or physical damage to the glass or frame, though there is a slight fingerprint smudge visible on the glass surface.