Patriotic Art Appraisal

Vintage Patriotic-Themed Auto Art Print

This appears to be a vintage art print or poster, likely mounted on a rigid board, featuring a patriotic or historical theme. The central elements include a profile of an older man wearing a hat with a prominent feather plume, possibly symbolizing an indigenous figure or a historical American persona. He is depicted in the foreground against a cloudy sky. To his right, a classic automobile, appears to be an early 20th-century sedan (possibly a Ford Model A or similar), is rendered in a black and beige two-tone color scheme. The style suggests an illustrative approach, possibly screen printing or lithography, rather than an original painting, due to the sharp lines and even color application. The overall color palette is muted, dominated by beige, brown, and black tones with touches of red and orange in the feather. The item shows significant signs of wear and age. The edges are heavily damaged, with large sections of the top right and bottom right corners torn away, revealing the underlying board. There are also tears and creases visible, particularly along the bottom edge near the car's running board. The surface exhibits scuffs, discoloration, and general patina consistent with years of display and inadequate storage. A signature or text 'D.W. Mullen' is faintly visible in the bottom right corner, suggesting an artist or manufacturer. The item likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly the 1950s to 1970s, based on the classic car depiction and the overall aesthetic. Quality-wise, it appears to be a mass-produced decorative piece rather than fine art, but its age and subject matter give it a certain nostalgic appeal.