Description

An original watercolor by Herbert Ward, an American artist associated with Rhode Island, depicting a lively dockside scene with figures gathered near the waterfront. The composition is loosely handled and atmospheric, with soft washes of blue, tan, olive, and muted rose creating a sunlit coastal setting.

Rather than focusing solely on landscape, this work includes a group of figures arranged along the dock, giving the scene a sense of movement, conversation, and everyday waterfront life. The work has an appealing regional character and fits naturally within a collection of New England coastal art.

The seller identified the artist as Herbert Ward, 1896–1967, and described the work as a watercolor by a Rhode Island artist known for local landscapes. The original eBay listing gave the watercolor size as approximately 12 3/4 × 10 in. and the framed size as approximately 18 1/2 × 15 3/4 in.

The reverse bears an estate label reading “From the Estate of Herbert Ward, 1896–1967, Douglas S. Ward, Executor.”

Object Details

Artist: Herbert Ward
Title: Dockside Figures / Dockside Watercolor
Medium: Watercolor on paper
Subject: Dockside figures, coastal / harbor scene
Date: Mid-20th century
Signature/estate mark: Estate label on reverse
Watercolor size: approximately 12 3/4 × 10 in.
Frame size: approximately 18 1/2 × 15 3/4 in.
Presentation: Currently mounted/matted and framed
Provenance note: Estate label from the Estate of Herbert Ward, 1896–1967, Douglas S. Ward, Executor

Condition Description

Vintage watercolor on paper with visible age and handling wear. The work is currently attached to an older mat/backing assembly. There is tape along the edges and corners, including visible adhesive/tape residue around the sheet and mat. The paper shows toning, discoloration, edge wear, and small areas of surface irregularity consistent with age and prior framing.

The backing board and mat show age, wear, staining, and handling marks. The work has been viewed outside the frame but remains attached to the mat/backing. The estate label on the reverse has been retained.

Please review all photographs carefully, including the sheet edges, mat, backing, estate label, and visible condition details, as images form part of the condition description. Sold as shown.

Purchase Details

Price: $300
Shipping quoted separately. This is a framed work under glass and will require careful packing for safe shipment. Please inquire for additional photographs, condition details, or a shipping estimate. Local pickup may also be available in Warwick, Rhode Island.