Fruit Seller and Mother with Child
Work on paper; framed illustration • C. Seay (Signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Regionalism / Contemporary Folk Realism
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and Gouache on paper using wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1980-2000)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 18 x 24 inches (sight), Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A vibrant outdoor market scene featuring a vendor under a striped canopy selling sliced fruit and snacks from a pushcart. A woman stands in the foreground, facing away from the viewer, carrying an infant in a traditional blue rebozo or sling. The background features lush greenery and flowering plants, possibly suggesting a setting in the Southwestern United States or Mexico.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible undulations in the paper support
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Private collection, Midland, Texas. Likely acquired through a local art fair or regional gallery.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of late 20th-century regional watercolor traditions that focus on daily life, cultural heritage, and local color. The artist's work captures the intersection of traditional customs (the rebozo) and modern street commerce.
Notable Features
Prominent signature 'C. SEAY' in the lower right corner; high-contrast purple/blue shadows; detailed rendering of the striped cart texture.
Condition Issues
The paper shows significant cockling (waving) due to moisture absorption or lack of proper mounting. Slight fading may be present from light exposure. The glass shows significant reflection and needs cleaning.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional hinging to an acid-free mat board to reduce cockling; replacement of standard glass with UV-protective glazing; avoid direct sunlight.
Collector Notes
Midland, Tx