Lee Painting Appraisal

Street Scene Painting by Manuel Leal

This is an original oil painting by the artist Manuel Leal, depicting a vibrant and atmospheric street scene, likely set in a Mediterranean or Latin American town. The painting features a narrow, sunlit street flanked by multi-story buildings with balconies and traditional architecture, leading the eye towards a grand, multi-tiered bell tower or church steeple in the background against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Dominant colors include soothing teal-grey and off-white for the main building facades, contrasted with rich terracotta reds for lower walls, doorframes, and balcony accents. Lush dark greens represent foliage, while strong shadows create depth and highlight the directional light. Two small figures, appearing to be a man and a child, are rendered walking on the cobblestone street, providing a sense of scale and life to the urban landscape. The brushwork is impressionistic, applying paint with visible textures, which enhances the character and immediacy of the scene. The canvas or board is housed within a dark-stained wooden frame, which appears to be in good condition. The artist's signature, "M. Leal" or "Manuel Leal," is clearly visible in the lower left corner of the composition, attributing the work. Based on the style and subject matter, the work likely dates from the mid to late 20th century. Overall, the painting appears well-preserved, with no obvious signs of major damage, tears, or significant paint loss, presenting a charming and detailed cityscape.