Nicolai Fechin Print Appraisal

Whistling Boy Portrait Print after Nicolai Fechin

This item is a framed fine art print depicting a young boy in characteristic Southwestern-style attire, whistling. The subject is shown wearing a broad-brimmed dark hat, a white collared shirt with a black ribbon tie, and a distinctive ochre-colored patterned vest. The composition uses a soft-focus background and expressive brushwork typical of early 20th-century impressionistic portraiture. Physically, the piece is matted with a sage-green mat board featuring a terracotta-colored inner bevel, encased in a traditional wooden frame with gilded inner molding. The print appears to be on textured paper, mimicking the surface of a watercolor or charcoal original. A visible signature in the lower right corner reads 'N. Fechin,' identifying the artist as Nicolai Fechin (1881–1955), though the mechanical precision of the signature suggests this is a reproduction of his work. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones—golds, browns, and muted greens. Regarding condition, there is a prominent glare reflecting off the protective glass, but the artwork itself shows no immediate signs of foxing or water damage. The framing appears to be from the late 20th century, and the overall craftsmanship of the print suggests a high-quality lithograph or digital reproduction intended for decorative art markets.