Vintage Artisan McCoy '52 Portrait of Women Oil Painting Appraisal
Category: Paintings
Description
This is a vintage original oil painting on what appears to be canvas, encased within a simple, solid rectangular wooden frame that exhibits a natural or light brown stained finish. The artistic work, specified as a 'Portrait of Women,' depicts two female figures. The primary figure, seemingly in the foreground, is characterized by reddish-blonde hair and fair complexion, enveloped in a strikingly textured garment, possibly a cloak or shawl, rendered in rich golden-yellow hues. Her expression is subtle and contemplative. Behind her, positioned slightly to the left, is a second woman with darker hair and a darker, more subdued garment, her form providing depth to the composition. The background features abstract or minimally defined architectural elements or patterns, rendered in muted tones of grays, blues, and reddish-browns, contributing to the overall somber yet inviting mood of the piece. The painting's title includes 'McCoy '52,' indicating that it is attributed to an artist named McCoy and dated 1952, firmly placing it in the mid-20th century. This aligns with the stylistic elements observed, which suggest a figurative modern art approach. While no significant damage is visibly obvious from the image, common age-related conditions such as minor frame wear, slight craquelure development in the paint, or accumulated surface dirt are plausible for a piece of this vintage. The designation 'Vintage Artisan' denotes original handcrafted quality and artistic uniqueness, distinguishing it from mass-produced prints. The craftsmanship demonstrates skill in capturing individual expressions and a distinctive handling of color and form.
Appraisal Report
Upon examining the provided image of the 'Portrait of Women' signed 'McCoy '52,' my assessment is as follows. The painting presents as a genuine mid-20th-century original oil on canvas, consistent with the 1952 date. The style is figurative modernism, showing competent handling of color, texture, and composition. The overall condition appears good for its age, with the wooden frame showing minor wear. From the image, I cannot observe significant craquelure, paint loss, or repairs, though a fine patina of surface grime is likely present. The key factor limiting this painting's value is the artist, 'McCoy.' Without a documented sales history, exhibition record, or inclusion in art historical databases, this artist is considered obscure or unlisted. The value, therefore, rests on its decorative appeal as a quality piece of vintage, artisan-made art rather than on the artist's reputation. The market for unsigned or unlisted mid-century figurative works is modest but steady. Comparable works by unknown but skilled artists from this era typically sell in the low to mid-hundreds. To establish a higher value, full authentication is necessary. This would require physical inspection to assess the canvas, stretcher, and paint surface for age-appropriate characteristics and any hidden damages or repairs. Research into the signature and provenance documentation (e.g., gallery receipts, family history) would be crucial to potentially identify the artist and build a history for the piece. Without such verification, the work must be valued on its intrinsic artistic and decorative merits alone.
Appraisal Value
$350-550