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Watercolour ? Mediterranean scene - help with artist signature / any info please ?
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Posted
Not a clue I’m afraid… I can make out some letters and the subject could mean that it’s possibly a foreign artist so good luck on that one!
I suspect that it’s been bought back from a holiday trip at some point, it doesn’t look old to me, but it depends what you consider to be old!
It’s a lively watercolour and in my opinion painted by an amateur hand - architecture and boats are not easy subjects for most amateur artists, and neither of these show any degree of competence.
Sorry I can’t be of more help, but someone on here may have more of an idea, as unlikely as that may be!
Edited
by Alan Bickley
Posted
It's a pity it's stuck to that mount, because the mount is "foxed" - which may be what's making the painting look older than it really is: the mount wasn't archival and is showing it.
The signature has faded somewhat, but, as so often, is hard to read anyway - is that first letter a 'T'? I thought it was an 'F' at first, but that's because it's over a parallel line in the painting - horizontal line anyway. All of which is my way of saying I have no more clue as to authorship than Alan has! In your place, I'd take it to a professional framer, and see if they couldn't take the picture apart, remove that deteriorating mount, and take a look at the back to see if there's a clue there. The number on the frame could be anything, possibly a lot number.
I don't think this is the work of a major artist, or even a known one - but it's a pleasant painting, accomplished with some energy, and I can certainly see what drew you to it. I suppose it's an Italian scene - it's the sort of sketch an artist might make when on holiday, then be sufficiently taken with it on their return to have it framed: it is a bit crowded, I'd bet it was painted with Chinese brushes or perhaps with a mop, and if anyone knows a painter who habitually employs those, well - over to you.
I would get that mount replaced, though....
Posted
I would certainly agree that it a holiday painting or even a quick painting done for tourists etc. Looking at the boats I would agree with you a Robert certainly look like a large brush stroke . I think the trees and most of the buildings including window have been painted the same way with a large brush . Its the use of the large brush that makes me think it was probably done on the beach by a local person earning a living done quick to impress and sell to a observer . Well that me certainly putting my neck in a noose , but I don’t have the slightest clue as to who painted it . Roberts suggested having it removed a good idea and it will look better re mounted plus there could be details on the reverse . The mount has certainly suffers and has slightly affected the painting, unfortunately painting don’t need to be of a great age for this sort of damage taking place , I have seen some watercolours with similar damage that were less that ten years old . I’m sure a lot of people will agree it how it’s mounted and where it’s displayed that causes the damage . I do agree with your suggestions about signing and putting details on the back , I’m guilty of not always doing so but hopefully your prod will remind me to do so .