I have this painting and it is signed. It is probably from the 50's. The signature looks to me to be "J Larian, "D Lorian", "J larkin", "A larkin" or "Vlarkin" I tried researching all these names and could not find anything on these people or else the description for the artist did not match this picture. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. If the attached picture of the signature is too small, please click the following URL. Thanks!

<http://img193.imageshack.us/i/larkinpainting1.jpg/>

< http://img20.imageshack.us/i/100042000.jpg/>





Thanks

Hi
Only opinion... I tried to read the signature from the third pdf attachment you posted since the imageshack site said no image found. Your signature image truncated to admit only a "J" reading of the first initial. Actually, I think it can be read as a"D" or a "W" . IF you want to post a better signature with margin on four sides please do so.
If it is a "D" then you might look at D. Larkin for three examples of his signature. They don't look enough the same to exclude yours as a possible fourth. See the link:

Diarmuid Larkin on artnet

If it's a "W" then there are at least three, that meet your time frame for when the painting was done, to research further. You can get a starter list by searching artprice.com and then going back to Google or elsewhere. Or we try again with better understanding of the first initial.

Properly you should provide images of the back, any markings, a corner of the canvas stretcher to show staples or nails... Helps better to estimate age and authenticity of the painting. There is always concern if it is a common name that can't be nailed down.

Good luck...

Thanks FMTASKART. I realize that the photo’s attached are not good. I tried replacing them but could not. I also tried to size them appropriately and I could not . Anyway, I have an excellent photo of the signature posted on imageshack. I would appreciate it if you would click and/or paste the following URL into your browser to view
Imageshack - 100042000.jpg - Uploaded by geothermal

I believe it was painted in the 40’s or 50’s. It was painted on a ¼ “ Masonite type board and secured to a mellowed colored pine frame with modern type finishing nails. The frame was then sealed with a brown paper (now ripping) with the Gallery’s decal on it. The Gallery was Ferdinand Roten Gallery 123 W Mulberry Street Baltimore 1, Maryland. This indicates (via the #1 and not a full zip code) that the Gallery label was printed between 1944 and 1963
:)

Hi... and well now... What I say should be taken as an opinion. I could be wrong.
I have looked at the signature and will look some more, but a bigger concern. Your description of the work sounds like you describe a print backed by a masonite panel. The gallery label is old and apparently the gallery is still operating but the only sales and a (complaint) that I found were in reference to prints. I went through the first 100 or so Google results for searching with the gallery name.

Looking at and around the closeup of the signature the surface shows effects that I could not correlate with edges of brushstrokes. Yet there also appears to be some overpainting. I also wonder if there is paint overlapping the edge of the panel or is it a clean edge (then a print or reproduction for sure). Viewed with suspicion, the signature can also be suspect. I don't think it a "W" anymore, but a "U" or open "D". (Meant to look like a "D").

See if you can see surface effects not attributable to painting or if they appear only in a clear coat. Use a magnifying glass to see if it is a print. Can you see if the signature is a bit bulked above the surface or uniform with it?

If you want to keep working this put one or two closeups up on the site. Different areas that can be examined for the brushwork. Thanks.

Thanks again FMTASKART
It took some more pictures. Hopefully you can follow the links
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
ImageShack® - geothermal's images
This will be the last time I will bother you. I really appreciate it. I looked closely at the surface and I am convinced it is painted because of the texture of the brush marks. BUT, that said, I looked at the edge of the board and do not see any traces of paint on the edges.

I also went to Artnet and looked up Dlarkin, Jlarkin, Ularkin, Wlarkin and Vlarkin and did not find any thing. Either, I have an copy or it is was executed by an non-recognized painter. What is your final thoughts. Thanks again