Summer Afternoon Value Guide

Summer Afternoon is a quintessential example of Richard Earl Thompson's mastery of light, depicting a woman in overalls on a beach at sunset. As a prominent figure in the Boston School tradition, Thompson's work is highly collectible for its serene coastal atmosphere and impressionistic technique.

What Is Summer Afternoon Worth?

The typical price range for Summer Afternoon is $150 - $165 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The condition of the gilt frame, specifically the presence of chips in the gesso or thinning of the gold leaf.
• Sunlight exposure and fading, as the vibrant sunset hues are critical to the piece's aesthetic and market value.
• The presence of original gallery labels or provenance documentation on the reverse of the wood frame.
• Overall paper preservation, including the absence of foxing or moisture staining along the edges of the print.

How to Identify Summer Afternoon?

• Verify the artist signature 'Richard Earl Thompson' usually located in the lower corner of the lithograph.
• Inspect the frame for authentic gold leaf over gesso on a wood base, consistent with late 20th-century high-end decorator prints.
• Check for the specific subject matter featuring a woman in overalls, which distinguishes this piece from Thompson's other coastal landscapes.
• Examine the paper quality and ink saturation characteristic of American lithography from the 1970-1985 era.

History of Summer Afternoon

Summer Afternoon is one of the most recognized works by American impressionist Richard Earl Thompson. Thompson was renowned for his ability to capture light and atmosphere in the tradition of the Boston School of painters. This specific image became a popular decorator print in the late 20th century, bringing his serene coastal aesthetic to homes across America.