Woman with Calla Lilies and Cityscape
Painting on canvas • Signed 'Lee LaBue' (or similar phonetic interpretation). An artist active in the contemporary decorative and illustrative art market.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Decorative / Pop-Surrealism / Art Nouveau Revival. The work combines Cubist-influenced background geometry with the flowing, organic lines of Art Nouveau.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including acrylic, ink, and potentially oil pastel. The technique involves stained-glass-like dark contouring, flat color washes with subtle gradients, and rhythmic patterned linework.
Creation Period
Circa 2000s–2010s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; horizontal landscape format.
Subject Description
The composition features a stylized female figure reclining or sitting in a meditative pose with a hand to her face. She is surrounded by oversized Calla Lilies, a recurring symbol of rebirth and beauty. The background depicts a dreamlike cityscape with checkered patterns and sun/moon imagery, suggesting a narrative of urban solitude or nocturnal reflection.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The surface appears stable with vibrant pigmentation and no visible signs of flaking or moisture damage. The frame shows minor surface wear.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$300 - $700
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in contemporary decorative arts or directly from the artist. The signature 'Lee LaBue' is prominent in the lower right quadrant.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the late 20th and early 21st-century trend of merging commercial illustration techniques with fine art aesthetics. It reflects a synthesis of early 20th-century movements (Cubism, Art Deco) adapted for modern interior design contexts.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of high-contrast black outlining and a recurring checkerboard motif that provides a rhythmic break from the organic floral and figurative forms. The integration of the signature into the patterned design of the dress is a unique stylistic choice.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust; potential slight fading if exposed to direct UV light over time. No structural defects (tears or punctures) are visible in the photograph.
Conservation Recommendations
Displayed under UV-protective glazing if possible; keep away from high humidity and direct sunlight; professional dusting with a soft brush.