Floral Still Life with Wheat Stalks
Painting on canvas textured board or linen-wrapped panel • Signed 'Morgan' (lower right). Likely a studio artist or regional painter active in the mid-century decorative art market.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Expressionist Still Life with elements of Palette Knife Painting
Medium & Technique
Heavy impasto oil or acrylic paint with modeling paste; features wet-on-wet technique and sgraffito for textured definition
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, approximately 1960-1975
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8x10 or 9x12 inches; vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A centralized orange-red flower surrounded by green foliage, wheat stalks, and buds in a rounded vessel. The composition is set against a dark, moody background with gold/ochre highlights.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible mechanical cracking (craquelure) consistent with the drying of thick impasto layers
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely residential ownership from the 1960s-70s. Housed in a period-correct linen-lined wooden frame typical of commercial galleries of the era.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular mid-century trend of textured 'palette knife' paintings that moved away from traditional realism toward tactile, expressive domestic decor.
Notable Features
Highly sculptural application of paint that creates three-dimensional relief; original period frame with canvas/linen insert.
Condition Issues
Drying cracks in the thickest areas of paint (especially the central flower) and potential dust accumulation in the deep texture recesses.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning with a soft dry brush; keep in a climate-controlled environment to prevent further expansion/contraction of the thick paint layers.