{"product_id":"david-pelbam-american-1932-2004","title":"David Pelbam (American, 1932–2004)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePortrait of a Sea Captain\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOil on artist board, signed lower right\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eImage 8 x 10 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall 13 ½ x 11 ½ inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA compelling mid-20th-century maritime portrait by listed American painter David Pelbam, known for his expressive character studies and coastal subjects. This finely executed oil depicts a weathered sea captain wearing traditional cap with anchor insignia, contemplatively smoking a pipe. Pelbam’s confident academic handling is evident in the luminous green eyes, sculptural modeling of the face, and the layered, finely articulated white beard set against a softly atmospheric background.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePelbam, active primarily in Rhode Island during the mid-20th century, developed a reputation for portraiture capturing working men, maritime figures, and individuals of strong character. His paintings are recognized for their psychological depth and careful attention to facial structure and light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe portrait is housed in an exceptional American Eastlake-period carved walnut frame, richly adorned with applied foliate and scroll ornamentation. The frame retains its period gilt liner and is fitted with early hand-blown glass exhibiting subtle surface waviness and natural distortion, enhancing the authenticity and warmth of the presentation. The glass and frame appear to have accompanied the work for decades, creating a cohesive and historically sympathetic ensemble.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA handsome and highly decorative coastal interior piece, combining listed mid-century portraiture with late 19th-century American frame craftsmanship.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Folkism Antiques LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44272081600621,"sku":null,"price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0658\/1957\/4381\/files\/WhatsAppImage2026-02-25at2.10.00PM_4.jpg?v=1772046652","url":"https:\/\/folkismantiques.com\/products\/david-pelbam-american-1932-2004","provider":"Folkism Antiques LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}