Pink Roses with Butterfly
Painting on paper, likely a decorative botanical study • Signed 'L. Nash' (likely a regional decorative artist or prolific commercial illustrator)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Decorative / Illustrative Botanical; influenced by Romanticism and 19th-century still life traditions
Medium & Technique
Gouache or heavy-bodied paint (possibly oil) applied with a heavy impasto technique and raised brushwork to create three-dimensional texture; stylized line work for thorns and butterfly details
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (estimated including matting); Portrait format
Subject Description
A vertical botanical composition featuring two blooming pink roses and several buds on a thorny stem, accompanied by a Tortoiseshell-style butterfly. The work emphasizes floral abundance and decorative symmetry.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible aging of the paper support and slight toning of the matting
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a retail gallery or interior design showroom; appears to have remained in private collection for several decades
Art Historical Significance
Illustrates the mid-century trend of 'sculptural' painting where thick paint application provided a tactile quality intended for home decor rather than avant-garde academic circles.
Notable Features
Distinctive heavy-body paint application creating a 3D effect on the flower petals; elegant cursive signature 'L. Nash' in the lower-left quadrant; period-correct gold-tone decorative frame
Condition Issues
Mild overall yellowing (toning) of the paper substrate; possible slight fading of pigments due to UV exposure; minor foxing or spotting visible on the cream background
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the current matting with acid-free archival materials and installing UV-protective glass; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading