Summer's Little Treasures (Collector's Plate)
Decorative art; porcelain collector's plate • Donald Zolan (American, 1937–2009)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Romantic Realism / Nostalgic Illustration
Medium & Technique
Transfer-printed porcelain with high-gloss glaze finish; reproduction of an original painting
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 inches diameter; Tondo (circular) format
Subject Description
A young barefoot girl in a white dress is depicted in a hazy, backlit outdoor setting, looking down at the ground near small white flowers. The composition uses soft focus and a warm, sepia-toned palette to evoke innocence and childhood nostalgia.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the surface appears free of chips, cracks, or crazing with original luster intact.
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Likely mass-produced by Pemberton & Oakes or a similar plate company; typically sold through mail-order catalogs or secondary collectible markets.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century boom in the 'Plate Collecting' market. Donald Zolan was highly prolific in this sector, specializing in idealized depictions of children.
Notable Features
Features Zolan's characteristic 'sfumato-like' soft edges and high-key lighting; likely contains a certificate of authenticity and specific plate number on the reverse side.
Condition Issues
No visible damage; minor glare from the glaze in the photograph but the substrate appears sound.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with a soft, non-abrasive dry cloth. Avoid display in direct sunlight to prevent potential pigment fading over decades and ensure stable mounting to prevent falls.