Floral Still Life with Daisies in a Silvered Vase
Painting on canvas • Signed 'A. Conti' (likely a decorative or commercial studio artist common in the mid-to-late 20th century)
Style & Movement
Mid-century decorative Impressionism / Commercial Floral Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; wet-on-wet technique (alla prima) with soft blending in the background and impasto highlights on the petals
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches (61 x 91 cm); Landscape format
Subject Description
A dense, spherical arrangement of white daisies, blue cornflowers, and pink sprays in a rounded metallic or ceramic vase. The composition uses a centralized focal point against a gradient blue and cream background, emphasizing a serene and domestic narrative.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the canvas appears taut and the colors remain vibrant with no significant visible fading
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial art gallery or home decor retailer. No specific gallery labels are visible on the front, suggesting private residential ownership.
Art Historical Significance
This piece exemplifies the mass-market floral genre produced for middle-class interiors in the late 20th century. While not historically disruptive, it represents the continuation of the Dutch floral tradition adapted into a modernized, accessible aesthetic.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature in the lower right corner; use of a linen-style 'floater' inner frame which was highly popular in the 1980s framing style; heavy impasto application on the centers of the daisies providing a 3D effect
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and very slight yellowing of the varnish consistent with age; possible minor abrasions on the wooden frame edges
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light to prevent paint brittleness or fading