Watercolor painting on paper attributed to Douglas Arthur Teed (1860–1929). Presented in a vintage frame bearing a framer’s label reading “Clyde L. Smith – Designer of Fine Frames – Minneapolis.” That’s All I know I purchased this from a collector in Bellevue Washington.
In the photos
Hello, this item is a framed watercolor on paper depicting an Orientalist interior scene with a robed figure, architectural arches, hanging lamps, and still life elements in the foreground, attributed to Douglas Arthur Teed (1860 to 1929), an American painter known for genre scenes and romanticized Middle Eastern subjects produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The composition, soft atmospheric washes, and narrative staging are consistent with Teed’s commercially oriented Orientalist works, which were widely circulated in the United States during this period. However, based on the images provided, there is no visible artist signature on the front, and the only label present is from Clyde L. Smith, Designer of Fine Frames, Minneapolis, which confirms the frame maker but does not constitute artist authentication. The backing paper, wire hanging system, and overall mounting suggest early to mid 20th century framing, likely later than the execution of the watercolor itself. Without a clear hand signature or documented provenance, this work must be classified as attributed rather than firmly authenticated.
Condition appears fair, with visible edge wear to the backing, aging to the paper support, and likely light toning consistent with watercolor of this age, though the painted surface retains good color saturation. The frame is decorative and period appropriate but adds limited value. Authenticated Douglas Arthur Teed watercolors typically sell between USD 800 and USD 2,000 depending on subject and size, while unattributed or unsigned works in his manner generally trade between USD 300 and USD 700. Given the absence of a visible signature and reliance on attribution alone, a realistic fair market value for this example is approximately USD 400 to USD 600.