Children with Flute and Bird
Original limited edition lithograph on heavy artist paper • Jan Valande (attributed based on lower right signature)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Figurative Impressionism; characterized by the sentimental "big eye" aesthetic popular in mid-20th century decorative art
Medium & Technique
Color lithography; features layered ink applications to simulate textural brushwork and a sketch-like quality with fine line work over color blocks
Creation Period
Circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 36 inches; horizontal landscape orientation
Subject Description
A three-figure composition depicting a young boy playing a dark flute on the left, a central young girl in a large yellow straw hat holding a songbird, and a third child in profile on the right. The background is an abstract, textured field of ochre and blue hues suggestive of a meadow or rustic setting.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible rippling of the paper (cockling) suggests it may not be mounted to an acid-free backing, but the colors remain vibrant with no immediate signs of foxing or water damage
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Numbered 109/150 in the lower left corner, indicating a relatively small and exclusive print run. Housed in a vintage gilded rococo-style wood or resin frame common in the 1970s gallery market.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war commercialization of fine art prints where artists like Jan Valande created accessible, sentimental imagery for the emerging middle-class art market. It reflects the stylistic influence of artists like Margaret Keane and Edna Hibel.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil and hand-numbered; the print quality exhibits 'matrix' textures that mimic a painterly surface despite being a flat print.
Condition Issues
Notable paper cockling/waving throughout the sheet; slight yellowing of the paper margins; minor gilt loss on the frame edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional re-framing using acid-free matting and UV-protective glass is recommended to flatten the paper and prevent future acidification or fading. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity.