Botanical Illustration of Purple Flowers (Heliotrope or ähnliche)
Original painting on paper/cardstock, possibly part of a decorative series • Richard A. Henson (Signed lower left)
Style & Movement
Naturalist / Botanical Art
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and gouache on paper with fine-line ink detailing. The artist uses layered washes and dry brush techniques for texture on the leaves, with white gouache highlights.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 8 x 10 inches; Portrait format, double-matted within a frame.
Subject Description
A vertical botanical study featuring cluster of violet-purple five-petaled flowers atop a green stem with serrated, veined leaves. The composition is set against a neutral, off-white background typical of scientific and decorative botanical illustration.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; slight discoloration of the paper consistent with age and exposure to light.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a boutique gallery or independent art fair; private collection. No visible labels are shown, but the signature indicates an active commercial/decorative artist of the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century revival of traditional botanical painting for the domestic market. Such works bridge the gap between scientific record-keeping and decorative interior design.
Notable Features
Clear, legible signature 'Richard A. Henson' in the lower left corner. The use of stippling and fine hatching on the leaves shows a high degree of technical skill in the naturalist tradition.
Condition Issues
Visible minor yellowing (toning) at the edges of the paper where it meets the matting. Possible faint foxing or surface soil in the background area.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional framing using UV-protective glass is recommended to prevent further fading of the purple pigments. Acid-free matting should be checked to ensure no acid burn occurs on the paper support.