Roberta Wesley Art Appraisal

Night On The River by Roberta Wesley

This item is a framed fine art print titled 'Night On The River' by artist Roberta Wesley. The print depicts a serene nocturnal scene featuring a large, multi-decked riverboat, likely a steamboat, gently navigating a moonlit river. The riverboat's numerous windows are illuminated with a warm, inviting glow, casting reflections upon the calm water. The surrounding environment is characterized by dark, gnarled trees, some draped with Spanish moss, suggesting a Southern bayou or swamp setting. A prominent grey heron stands gracefully in the upper left quadrant, observing the scene. The artwork utilizes a rich color palette dominated by deep blues, grays, and blacks for the night sky and water, contrasted with the warm oranges and yellows of the boat's lights and the muted greens and browns of the foliage. The print appears to be matted with a double matting system: an inner thin maroon border followed by a wider off-white or cream-colored mat. This matting is then enclosed within a dark frame, likely wood or a composite material, with a subtle inner border detail. The print itself shows good color saturation and detail, with no immediately visible signs of creasing, tears, or significant fading. The framing and matting appear to be in good condition, although specific dimensions and materials of the frame cannot be precisely determined from the image. The style suggests a realistic or slightly romanticized depiction of a tranquil natural and historical setting. The artwork conveys a sense of calm and nostalgia, typical of landscape and Americana subject matter. This piece would likely have been produced in the late 20th or early 21st century, given its print quality and framing style. The signature 'Roberta Wesley' is visible on the matting or border area, confirming the artist's identity.