Vaso di Fiori (Vase of Flowers)
Painting on canvas • Arturo Tosi (1871-1956)
Style & Movement
Novecento Italiano / Modernism with Post-Impressionist influences
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas with heavy impasto and palette knife application
Creation Period
circa 1930-1945
Dimensions & Format
28 cm x 18 cm; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A vertical still life composition featuring a tall, slender dark vase holding a single red floral bloom and some leafy greens. The subject is rendered with expressive, atmospheric abstraction where the figure and background blend through mottled green and yellow tones.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; appears stable with consistent surface aging and minimal craquelure
Estimated Market Value
$4,000 - $7,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,000 - $5,000 USD
Provenance History
Previously in a private French collection; subsequently held by a leading UK Post-Impressionist art dealership.
Art Historical Significance
Arturo Tosi was a central figure of the 'Novecento Italiano' movement. This work exemplifies his late-career transition from traditional naturalism toward a more tachiste and expressive materiality, emphasizing the tactile quality of paint over strict representational accuracy.
Notable Features
Features extremely thick, textured paint application typical of Tosi's mature periods; housed in a lavish gilded gesso-on-wood Florentine-style frame that suggests high-end gallery placement.
Condition Issues
Minor age-related darkening of the varnish; slight drying cracks (craquelure) visible in the thicker impasto areas; surface dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove dust; light varnish refresh if yellowing is confirmed; display in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light.
Collector Notes
Ex uk leading put impressionist art dealership and before a pry are French collection. ARTURO TOSI (1871-1956) oil on canvas 28 cm x 18 cm without the frame