Iceland Poppies in a Jasperware Vase
Chromolithographic print / Vintage photomechanical reproduction under glass • In the manner of Albert Williams or the circle of early 20th-century floral photographers
Style & Movement
Edwardian / Arts and Crafts Influence / Pictorialism
Medium & Technique
Chromolithography or early color offset printing; soft focus technique with a painterly aesthetic
Creation Period
Early 20th Century, circa 1910–1930
Dimensions & Format
Circular tondo format; estimated diameter 12 to 16 inches
Subject Description
A still life composition featuring a vibrant bouquet of orange, red, and white Iceland poppies. The flowers are arranged in a Wedgwood-style blue and white Jasperware vase depicting silhouettes of horses. A small turquoise dish sits to the left on a neutral-toned tabletop against a soft, diffused background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair; visible fading of pigments and significant glare issues due to reflective glass
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced decorative home accessory from a department store or interior design catalog of the early 20th century; typically found in residential estates.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the democratization of art in the early 20th century, where high-quality color reproductions allowed middle-class families to own sophisticated floral still lifes. The inclusion of Jasperware reflects the ongoing popularity of Neoclassical ceramics in domestic settings.
Notable Features
The use of a 'Jasperware' vase with an equestrian motif is a specific cultural marker; the circular 'tondo' frame is characteristic of decorative wall art from the 1920s.
Condition Issues
Sun-bleaching of the warmer pigment tones (yellows and oranges), minor foxing potential under the glass, and abrasions to the gilded frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace non-archival backing materials to prevent acid damage; avoid direct sunlight to slow UV degradation; clean the outer surface of the glass with a non-ammonia agent.