Roses in a Vase
Painting on canvas or board • Pearl White (Signed)
Style & Movement
American Impressionism / Academic Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil paint, likely applied with a brush using a wet-on-wet technique with soft blending
Creation Period
1896 (dated lower right)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches; horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
A still life composition featuring a cluster of vibrant red roses in a dark, lustrous round vase. Some roses spill out onto the table surface at the left, creating a diagonal flow. The background is muted with soft greens and earthy tones, focusing attention on the floral subject.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Visible darkening of or yellowing of varnish, and possible edge wear where the painting meets the frame.
Estimated Market Value
USD $200 - $500
Auction Estimate
USD $150 - $300
Provenance History
Privately held. Signatures and dates suggest late 19th-century American amateur or student origin.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 19th-century floral still life painting, popular among regional artists influenced by European botanical traditions and Impressionist color palettes.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature 'Pearl White 96' in the lower right corner and an ornate period-style gilded frame.
Condition Issues
Surface grime, aged varnish, minor frame abrasions, and potential drying cracks (craquelure) visible upon close inspection.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional conservator to remove aged varnish and grime; remounting in a stable environment away from direct UV light.