Afternoon Tea (likely title)
Original painting on canvas (serigraph on canvas or acrylic painting) • Charles Lee (Korean-American, b. 1948)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Neo-Mannerism / Decorative Figurative Art
Medium & Technique
Acrylic and likely mixed media or textured serigraphy on canvas featuring bold flat color planes, graphic outlines, and subtle impasto effects
Creation Period
1998
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 36 inches, horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
Four elegant women of African or mixed descent seated at a cafe table outdoors. The composition focuses on social interaction, community, and fashion, featuring stylized faces, floral motifs in the clothing, and a secondary background scene of a seated figure. The work uses rhythmic line work and a vibrant, warm palette.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; colors appear vibrant and the canvas remains taut within the frame
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $700 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or a cruise ship art auction (e.g., Park West Gallery), where Lee's work was widely distributed in the late 1990s
Art Historical Significance
Charles Lee is known for bridging Eastern and Western aesthetics. This piece reflects his signature style of combining a graphic, almost pop-art sensibility with traditional figurative themes, emphasizing harmony and the grace of the female form.
Notable Features
Distinctive fluid signature 'Charles Lee' in gold or light pigment in the lower right quadrant; high contrast between the solid white chair in the foreground and the intricate patterns of the garments.
Condition Issues
Visible surface dust and minor frame wear; potential slight yellowing of the protective varnish; minor surface scuffs consistent with age
Conservation Recommendations
Light dusting with a soft microfiber cloth; display away from direct UV sunlight to prevent pigment fading; professional reframing with acid-free materials if the current backing is acidic
Collector Notes
1998