Berry Branches and Woven Basket by Painted Chest
Print (Offset Lithograph/Art Print) on paper, framed under glass • Pauline Eble Campanelli (1943–2001)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Rural Americana
Medium & Technique
Mechanical reproduction of an original painting (likely watercolor or tempera), featuring fine detail lines and smooth color transitions characteristic of high-quality lithography
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, circa 1980-1995
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (standard poster size), vertical portrait orientation
Subject Description
A still-life composition featuring a dark, hand-woven handled basket hanging next to a weathered, teal-painted wooden chest or cupboard. Sinewy branches with small red berries (possibly bittersweet or holly) are arranged within and around the basket, casting soft shadows against a neutral white wall.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (visible reflection in glass complicates assessment, but colors appear stable with no immediate signs of foxing or water damage)
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 (inclusive of frame)
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80
Provenance History
Likely purchased through a decor retailer or art gallery during the peak of the artist's popularity in the 1980s or 90s; typical of middle-class American interior decor of that era
Art Historical Significance
Campanelli was one of the most successful commercial artists of her time, known for her 'Super-Realist' approach to rustic objects. Her work helped define the 'Country' aesthetic in American home design during the late 20th century.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive signature on the right side of the wooden chest; showcases her talent for rendering textures like weathered wood, wicker, and organic botanicals
Condition Issues
Potential UV fading if displayed in direct sunlight; minor undulation of paper under the mat; frame shows standard wear
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing standard glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent color fading; ensure acid-free matting is used to avoid 'mat burn' on the paper edges