Luttrell Artwork Appraisal

Framed Jazz Band Artwork by Luttrell, New Orleans

This item is a framed original artwork depicting a jazz band, signed 'Luttrell '77' and inscribed 'New Orleans'. The artwork features four musicians playing various instruments in what appears to be an indoor setting, possibly a club or bar, indicated by a window with arched mullions and a hanging light fixture. The figures are stylized with dark skin, wearing matching red jackets and distinctive black and white striped pants. One musician is playing a stand-up bass, another a guitar (seated), a third is behind a piano, and the fourth is playing a trombone. The drawing style is somewhat cartoonish or illustrative, with bold outlines and flat color fills primarily in red, black, white, brown, and blue-gray for the floor or background elements. The artwork is housed under glass within a dark brown wooden frame with a gold-toned inner border. The frame itself shows some signs of wear, including a noticeable scratch or scuff mark on the lower right side. The matting is a dark brown color, providing a strong contrast to the lighter hues of the artwork. The overall impression is one of a cheerful and lively musical scene, typical of New Orleans jazz. The '77' in the signature suggests it was created in 1977, placing it in the late 20th century. The quality of the drawing is good, with clear lines and vibrant colors, indicating a skilled hand in illustration, potentially a print or a hand-colored lithograph given its clean lines and consistent color application, though it's hard to definitively tell from the image if it's original watercolor/ink or a print. The piece captures the spirit of New Orleans music with its caricatured musicians and energetic portrayal.