Rainy Cityscape Painting By Leonid Afremov Attributed Appraisal

Rainy Cityscape Painting by Leonid Afremov (Attributed)

The item is a framed original painting by Leonid Afremov, known for his distinctive palette knife technique and vibrant, almost impressionistic style. Though the exact title isn't provided, it depicts a rain-soaked city street scene at night or dusk, characteristic of Afremov’s work often featuring figures with umbrellas. The painting uses a very thick impasto application of oil paint, creating significant texture and giving the surfaces a three-dimensional quality. Dominant colors include rich blues, purples, oranges, and yellows, with bright reflections on the wet ground suggesting streetlights and shop windows. The composition features two central figures walking away from the viewer under umbrellas, accompanied by a small dog, with streetlights illuminating the scene from the left. Buildings with visible windows and architectural details line the right side of the street. The art piece is housed in a ornate, gold-toned frame with a classical, perhaps Baroque-inspired, carved or molded design. The frame appears to be made of wood or a composite material with a gilded finish, showing some age and potential light wear consistent with a vintage or well-cared-for piece. The painting itself is presented within a black matte board, providing a stark contrast that enhances the vibrancy of the colors. A visible signature, likely 'Afremov', can be seen in the bottom right corner of the painting. The immediate condition appears excellent with no obvious signs of damage, fading, or cracking to the paint surface, which is typical for well-maintained oil on canvas works. The frame also appears to be in good integrity. Given the artist's known period of activity and consistent style, the painting likely dates from the late 20th to early 21st century.