Botanical Study of Narcissus (Paperwhite)
Decorative print/offset lithograph on paper • Unknown commercial illustrator or licensed print designer (possibly inspired by the style of Pierre-Joseph Redouté or 19th-century botanical plates).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Traditionalist/Decorative Botanical Art.
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print technique mimicking watercolor and wash; housed in a double mat with a gilded wood/gesso composite frame.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (c. 1980–1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 10 inches (sight); 32 x 14 inches (framed). Vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A vertical botanical illustration depicting a narcissus plant from bulb to bloom. The composition features white flowers (Paperwhites), long green leaves, and two bulbs at the base with visible roots, set against a mottled beige, tea-stained background for an aged aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. The print appears stable within the frame, but there are signs of age and improper storage environment.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; discovered in family storage. Likely purchased from a home decor retailer or professional framing shop in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Low. This is a mass-produced decorative object intended for interior design rather than a unique art historical specimen or investment-grade fine art.
Notable Features
The elongated 'panoramic' vertical format is classic for botanical studies intended for narrow wall spaces; use of 'mock-parchment' background to simulate an antique appearance.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing or moisture spots on the matting; potential fading from light exposure; dust accumulation; frame has minor scuffs; paper may have slight rippling (cockling).
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a dry, climate-controlled environment to prevent further mold/foxing. If sentimentally valuable, the matting should be replaced with acid-free materials to prevent 'mat burn' on the paper.
Collector Notes
Found it in my family‘s basement. That’s all I know.