Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a beautifully rendered oil landscape painting depicting a sun-dappled woodland path leading toward distant mountains, housed in a classic gilded frame. Signed 'RICHARD DAY' in the lower right corner, it showcases a masterful handling of light, shadow, and depth characteristic of mid-century regional impressionism.
Story
During the mid-20th century, artists escaped bustling cities to capture the quiet majesty of the untouched North American wilderness. This painting captures that exact yearning for peace, inviting the viewer to step onto a sunlit path. The artist's signature connects it to a rich tradition of regional landscape painters who defined the mid-century aesthetic.
Maker / Origin
While several artists named Richard Day worked in the 20th century—most notably the Academy Award-winning Hollywood art director Richard Day (1896–1972) who painted regional landscapes—further provenance is needed to definitively link this piece to his specific hand.
Condition & Value
The painting appears to be in very good vintage condition with vibrant colors and no obvious paint loss or cracking. The gilded frame shows minor surface wear, light scuffing, and tiny chips consistent with age, which adds to its authentic vintage character.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.