Post-Impressionist Style Harborside Lithograph

This artwork is a framed print, likely a lithograph, depicting a vibrant coastal scene in a pointillist or divisionist manner. The composition features a harbor filled with sailboats, a hilly coastline with scattered buildings, and figures in the foreground, including a person in a striped shirt who may be the 'petit pecheur' mentioned in user-provided notes. The color palette is dominated by blues, yellows, and white, applied in short, distinct strokes or dots. The work bears a signature in the lower right corner that appears consistent with 'L. Neuquelman', though this marking is unverified without physical inspection. The user identifies this as an 'Artist Proof of Le Petit Pecheur' by Lucien Neuquelman, an attribution that is consistent with the artist's known mid-20th-century style but remains a hypothesis here. The print is housed in a carved, gilt-finish wooden frame with a white mat. Several condition issues are visible: there is notable foxing and brown spotting across the mat, and the paper of the print itself shows some undulation or 'cockling,' suggesting possible moisture exposure or aged adhesive. Expert in-person authentication is required to determine if this is a period-original artist's proof or a later reproduction.

Based on my visual analysis of the provided image, this artwork appears to be a mid-20th-century color lithograph in the Post-Impressionist tradition. Per user submission, the piece is identified as an 'Artist Proof of Le Petit Pecheur' by Lucien Neuquelman. While the work bears a signature in the lower right consistent with Neuquelman’s hand, I cannot verify the medium or authorship from a photograph alone. A physical inspection would be required to determine if this is a period lithograph or a later digital reproduction. The estimate of $400–$800 assumes the attribution to Neuquelman is correct and that the print is a period artist's proof. However, several condition issues significantly impact this valuation: I can see notable foxing (brown spotting) on the mat and apparent cockling or undulation of the paper, which often suggests moisture exposure. Professional restoration or re-matting would likely be necessary to preserve the work. In the current market, decorative coastal scenes of this style remain popular, though unauthenticated prints or those by lesser-known artists typically sell for under $100. To confirm authenticity and secure a higher market value, I would recommend an in-person examination by a specialist to verify the paper type, the presence of any watermark, and the integrity of the signature. Should the work be identified as a contemporary decorative copy or 'in the style of' Neuquelman rather than a period proof, the value would likely fall to $50–$150.