Robert George | Statue of Liberty & NYC Skyline (1965)

This is an original mid-century expressive oil or acrylic painting on canvas measuring approximately 29 by 41 inches, created by the artist Robert George in 1965. The composition features a bold, abstracted depiction of the Statue of Liberty in the foreground with the New York City skyline rising in the background. The artwork is characterized by energetic, impasto brushwork and a vibrant palette dominated by deep ultramarine blues, copper oranges, and golden ochre. The application of paint is thick and gestural, suggesting movement and a nocturnal atmosphere through the use of high-contrast highlights. The artist's signature 'Robert George' and the date '65' are visible in the lower right quadrant. The piece is housed in a contemporary fluted gold-toned wooden frame with a black inner liner that provides a classic contrast to the modern style of the painting. The canvas appears to be in good structural condition with no major visible punctures or tears, though some surface dust and minor age-related crazing of the paint layer may be present upon close physical inspection. The craftsmanship reflects the popular mid-century modern aesthetic of the 1960s, favoring emotional atmosphere over photographic realism.

I have virtually examined this 1965 mid-century modern painting by Robert George, depicting the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The work is an exemplary piece of 1960s decorative expressionism, utilizing a bold impasto technique and a high-contrast palette of ultramarine and copper tones. The 29 by 41 inch scale is particularly desirable for modern interiors, and the subject matter—an iconic American landmark—holds consistent market appeal. Upon visual inspection, the canvas appears structurally sound with appropriate tension. The heavy impasto shows minor age-related crazing, which is typical for the medium. The signature and date appear consistent with period-authentic applications. The contemporary fluted frame is in excellent condition and enhances the work’s presentation. The market for mid-century regionalist and decorative modernism remains steady, with Robert George’s larger figurative and city-scape works typically realizing prices in the low-to-mid four-figure range at specialized estate auctions. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images and descriptions. Without a physical inspection, I cannot verify the integrity of the canvas under UV light for hidden repairs, nor can I confirm the chemical composition of the pigments. To finalize authentication, I recommend a provenance check (bill of sale or exhibition history) and a close-up examination of the stretcher bars for period-correct oxidation. In-person analysis would also ensure the 'surface dust' mentioned is not indicative of more serious environmental degradation or foxing.