Name/Title
The Big HouseEntry/Object ID
2026.01.0001Description
Oil on canvas painting by Robert Franke depicting the historic Curry Mansion at 511 Caroline Street. Rendered beneath a luminous, star-filled night sky, the Victorian-style residence is portrayed with careful attention to its distinctive architectural character, including its wraparound balconies, decorative columns, ornate window trim, and inviting front entrance. Warm light emanates from the mansion's windows and glass double doors, creating a welcoming contrast to the cool blues of the evening sky.
A full moon casts a gentle glow over the scene, illuminating drifting clouds and the mature trees and manicured shrubs that frame the property. A decorative iron fence encloses the front yard, where vibrant red flowers provide a splash of color near the entrance gate. A pathway leads to the front steps, while a small brown dog strolls along the sidewalk outside the fence, lending the composition a quiet sense of life and familiarity.Type of Painting
EaselArtwork Details
Medium
OilSubject Place
City
Key WestState/Province
FloridaCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaCounty
MonroeCollection
Art CollectionMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Franke, RobertRole
ArtistDate made
circa 1980Time Period
20th CenturyInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
SignatureLocation
Lower Right CornerTranscription
Robert Franke Key WestLanguage
EnglishMaterial/Technique
PaintedLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
PaintingNomenclature Class
ArtNomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication ObjectsDimensions
Height
22 inWidth
28 inDepth
1 inCondition
Reason for Exam
At AcquisitionOverall Condition
Very Good