Floral Still Life in a Glass Vase
Painting on canvas (likely mounted to board or stretcher) • Signed 'E. Peake' (lower right). This is likely an artist active in the mid-20th century, possibly of the British or American school.
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionist / Modernist Still Life
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, utilizing a fluid and expressive brushstroke with wet-on-wet techniques and minor impasto in the floral highlights.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A vertical composition of wild and garden flowers, including what appear to be gladioli or lupines and smaller red blooms, arranged in a simple glass vessel on a tabletop against an ethereal, abstracted background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. The image is obscured by plastic wrapping, but visible craquelure and potential surface grime are present under the film.
Estimated Market Value
USD 400 - USD 800
Auction Estimate
USD 300 - USD 500
Provenance History
Private collection. The signature suggests a professional or semi-professional listed artist, but further gallery labels on the reverse would be needed for full history.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the mid-century trend of domestic still lifes that bridged the gap between traditional realism and modern abstraction, focusing on color harmony and light over strict botanical accuracy.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'E. Peake' signature in the lower right corner; use of a vibrant color palette against a muted, scumbled background provides a strong sense of depth.
Condition Issues
Visible network of fine craquelure throughout. Surface may have yellowed varnish. The plastic wrapping is a risk for moisture trapping and should be removed immediately.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove plastic wrapping. Seek a professional surface cleaning and varnish assessment. Store in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.