Yellow Sunflowers in a Compote
Painting on canvas or hardboard • James C. Fredricks
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Expressionist Still Life
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or Oil on board; executed with heavy impasto, palette knife applications, and broad painterly brushstrokes
Creation Period
circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A vibrant floral still life featuring a dense bouquet of yellow and orange sunflowers or daisies arranged in a dark green pedestal bowl (compote). The composition uses a high-contrast yellow-green background with gestural, abstract patches of color and dark vertical elements that suggest depth through shadow rather than detail.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; The paint surface appears stable, though there is some minor surface grime and a noticeable glare from the top-center reflecting a light source.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a decorative art gallery or department store during the mid-to-late 20th century; currently in a residential or retail setting.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the 'Gallery Fine Art' movement of the 1960s and 70s, where professionally executed expressive works were produced for the burgeoning middle-class interior design market. This piece reflects the influence of post-impressionist color theory on modern decorative arts.
Notable Features
Bold signature of 'James C. Fredricks' in the lower-left corner; distinctive use of a palette knife to create sculptural petals on the central flowers; original vintage black and silver-toned wood frame characteristic of the 1970s.
Condition Issues
Visible surface glare; potential minor scuffing on the frame edges; age-appropriate accumulation of dust on the impasto texture.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning of the surface to remove airborne pollutants; check the security of the mounting within the frame; display away from direct UV light to prevent fading of yellow pigments.