Summer Afternoon Value Guide

Summer Afternoon is a quintessential work by Richard Earl Thompson, showcasing his mastery of light and the coastal atmosphere of the Boston School. This lithograph, featuring a woman in overalls at sunset, became a staple of American interior design during the late 20th century.

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:

• Condition of the gilt frame, specifically looking for chips in the gesso or thinning of the gold leaf.
• Presence of UV-related fading or yellowing of the paper, which can significantly diminish the $150-$165 market value.
• Integrity of the original mounting and whether the print has been trimmed to fit a non-standard frame.
• Regional demand for American Impressionist decorator prints and the popularity of Thompson's coastal themes.

How to Identify Summer Afternoon?

• Verify the artist signature 'Richard Earl Thompson' usually located in the lower corner of the print.
• Inspect the frame for authentic gesso and gold leaf application consistent with high-end 1970s-80s decorator pieces.
• Check for the specific subject matter of a woman in overalls standing on a beach during the 'golden hour' sunset.
• Look for the fine dot pattern characteristic of high-quality vintage lithographic ink on heavy paper stock.

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.