Maritime Art, Yachting, Art Deco Motor Boat, Luigi Papaluca, Vintage Painting, Mid 20th Century

Luigi Papaluca (act. Mid 20th C.)
Yacht
American: Mid 20th Century
Oil on canvas
15.5 x 23.75 inches
Signed lower right: L. Papaluca
$1,250

Portrait of a motorized yacht of the Art Deco period at sea, piloted by two men and flying an American flag. The boat has a white hull, reddish-brown wood cabin and a short mast flying three triangular blue and white burgees. “IOC196” is painted on the bow.

Luigi Papaluca was the son of prolific marine artist Luca Papaluca (1890-1934), with whom his work is often confused. Both father and son were from Naples, Italy, and painted portraits of both historic and contemporary ships, but the father generally worked in gouache, while Luigi painted in oils. Luigi apparently emigrated to the U.S., producing work up until at least the 1960s.

Pencil Inscriptions Verso: “NOFI” and “NOFI – 3° (Italian for “3rd”.”). Otherwise illegible.

Condition: Generally very good, recently professional cleaned and revarnished, few minor abrasions retouched, with some minor remaining discoloration and wear.