I was struck by the great similarity of the painting style and even the crab's likeness in this painting to one by Van Gogh. I'm not saying, of course, this is a possible Van Gogh, but it has a great deal of the same type of appeal. A fine 19th century Impressionist "Nature morte" or still life with sea creatures, the color, stroke, even the interesting 'specimin' appeal is high. Found in France, it's a beautifully crafted oil painting on heavy card or panel similar to a composite, so suffers no holes, tears nor restorations. It is in an antique heavy wood frame with plaster or gesso appliqué which suffers some loss, as shown. Some framer's or art dealer's stamps remain partially intact on reverse, and an initial signature is found lower right. Were there more of the ID stamp on back, I think we would have the entire name of artist, but it is missing. Full measurements of painting and frame noted on our photos.
Very good to excellent for age and type, as to painting, and very good condition for the antique frame. Frame is very heavy old forest growth wood, a bit of the gesso or plaster missing, which is very typical of the type of frame, and is quite easy to restore. We show it as it is and our buyer can decide if they wish to leave it as it is, which isn't offensive, or restore it, or replace it. The painting is the value here, and is charming in all ways. Impressionist in style, we'd date it mid to late 1800s. No missing paint, and I did remove it from frame to show the entire painting to edges for your review. Ready to hang, new hanging apparatus added recently.
