Floral Still Life with Roses
Painting on canvas panel or Masonite board • Robert Cox (American, 1934-2001)
Style & Movement
Mid-century Floral Impressionism / Commercial Decorative Art
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, or board. Executed with a wet-on-wet technique (alla prima), utilizing palette knives and broad brushes for textural impasto in the petals and highlights.
Creation Period
Circa 1970s - 1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8x10 or 10x12 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A central bouquet of pink, white, and yellow roses with small blue daisies and soft foliage. The composition is a classic vertical floral arrangement against a neutral, hazy background, common in mid-to-late 20th-century decorative painting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paint layer appears stable with minor surface dust; the frame shows slight aging and possible small chips in the gesso/gilding.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a commercial gallery or retail setting in the late 20th century. These works were prolific in the North American market and often sold through home furnishing stores or neighborhood art galleries.
Art Historical Significance
Robert Cox was a highly prolific American artist known for his floral still lifes. While his work is not typically found in major art museums, he is a significant figure in the history of accessible commercial art, influencing the aesthetic of domestic interiors in the 70s and 80s.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Robert Cox' signature in the lower right corner, characteristic of the artist's quick, stylized script. Housed in a period-correct Rococo-style scrolling gilt frame with a fabric linen inset.
Condition Issues
Possible minor yellowing of the varnish and slight spotting on the fabric linen liner of the frame. General surface grime.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional to remove nicotine or dust if present. House in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent fading of sensitive pink pigments.