Jacob Pell Painting Appraisal

Original Watercolor Seascape Painting by Jacob Pell, 1976

This is an original watercolor painting on paper titled 'Two Boats at Harbor,' signed and dated 'Jacob Pell 1976' in the lower left corner. The composition features two traditional wooden sailing vessels anchored in calm, shimmering water against a backdrop of a tropical coastline with palm trees. The artist employs an Impressionistic style with visible brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette consisting of blues, ochres, greens, and soft pinks in the sky to represent a sunrise or sunset. The painting is professionally matted with a sage green bevel-cut mat and housed in a dark wood frame with a narrow profile. Regarding condition, the paper appears flat with no immediate signs of foxing or moisture damage, though there is a noticeable glare on the protective glazing indicating standard glass or acrylic is present. The brushwork shows confident layering, particularly in the reflection of the hulls on the water's surface. The piece reflects the mid-late 20th-century interest in maritime and coastal themes. The overall craftsmanship suggests a skilled hand consistent with 1970s regional fine art.