Sailboats at Night (Impressionist Painting) Appraisal
Category: Painting
Description
This is an oil painting depicting sailboats on the water at night or dusk. The composition features three main sailboats with their sails in vibrant colors: red, yellow, green, and blue, reflected in the dark water below. There are also smaller, less defined reflections of boats or lights in the distance. The style is impressionistic with thick impasto brushstrokes, particularly visible in the sails and reflections, giving the painting a textured surface. The dominant color in the background is a deep blue-black, representing the water and sky. The painting is framed in a simple, thin gold-colored wooden frame with minimal ornamentation. There is a signature in the lower right corner that appears to read "VERVOORT" or something similar. The painting is in good visible condition with no apparent tears or significant damage. The frame shows some minor wear consistent with age, such as small scuffs or scratches along the edges, and potentially some slight tarnishing of the gold finish. This piece likely dates to the mid to late 20th century based on the style and framing.
Appraisal Report
I have examined the provided image of the oil painting signed "VERVOORT" depicting sailboats at night. The impressionistic style, particularly the impasto technique and vibrant colors, suggests a mid to late 20th-century origin, consistent with the simple gold-colored frame. Visually, the painting appears to be in good condition with no apparent tears or major damage. The frame shows minor wear consistent with age. Based on the image alone, definitive authentication of the signature and attribution to a specific artist named Vervoort is not possible. Without in-person examination to assess brushwork details, canvas type, and pigment behavior, and importantly, provenance documentation linking the painting to a known artist, authenticity beyond a stylistic assessment remains limited. Scientific testing of materials could also provide valuable insights into age and composition. Assuming this is a decorative piece by a lesser-known artist or an unsigned work, the market value is primarily driven by its visual appeal, condition, and size (which is not specified but appears to be of a moderate size). Decorative impressionist-style harbor scenes are generally in consistent demand, particularly if they are well-executed and visually appealing. Comparables for such works by unlisted or minor artists typically fall within a modest range. Key factors impacting value are the lack of confirmed attribution, the condition (which appears good visually), and the intrinsic artistic merit as perceived from the image. Rarity is not a significant factor without a confirmed artist. To confirm authenticity and potentially increase value, research into existing artists named Vervoort, examination of the painting in person, and ideally, provenance documentation would be essential.
Appraisal Value
$300-500