The Fantoma

Accession number:
1988.10

Maker:
Unknown
(after Louis Papaluca)

Historical period:
N/A

Miltary branch:

Type:

Dimensions:
H x W: 27 in. / 39 in.

Acquisition date:
N/A

Credit line:
The Army and Navy Club Library Trust Fund

Location:
,

Provenance:
N/A

Label:

This painting of unknown provenance is most likely a copy of a painting by Louis (Luigi) Papaluca, Jr., son of Luca Papaluca, both renowned maritime painters. Luca Papaluca, The Elder (1890-1932), worked primarily in Port Naples, Italy. His paintings are primarily in gouache with the ship’s name written across the bottom in the center of the canvas. While the works of father and son are often confused for one another and misattributed at auction, this painting seems to be more in the style of Louis, evidenced by the bold colors and style and placement of the signature.

It is believed the painting here is a copy based on the handling and character of the brushwork, and the odd signature, which clearly reads “F. Papaluca.” It even seems to misspell Papaluca, mistaking one or more of the A’s for an H. No record has yet been found of a painting of the ship “Fantoma” by either artist.