Still Life with Roses in a Blue Vase
Painting on canvas or canvas board • Marie Grotte (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Post-Impressionist / Contemporary Realism with Impressionistic brushwork
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas/board using alla prima and impasto techniques
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th century (c. 1960-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 10 x 8 inches (sight size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A floral still life featuring a cluster of roses in various shades of yellow, pink, and white. The blooms are arranged in a small, rounded blue ceramic vase. The background is a muted, textured gray-blue that emphasizes the light falling from the left, creating a soft shadow on the right.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint film appears stable with vibrant colors and no visible surface loss or major craquelure.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $700
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a local gallery; current private collection. No visible labels on the front.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-20th-century floral still life painting. While the artist is not internationally renowned, the work demonstrates a high level of technical proficiency in color theory and light modeling characteristic of regional professional art circles.
Notable Features
Distinctive red-ink signature 'MARIE GROTTE' in the lower right; the frame is a custom gray-washed cove design with gilded edges, suggesting a high-quality contemporary presentation.
Condition Issues
Minor dust accumulation on the frame and surface; slight separation at the mitered corners of the frame consistent with age.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning of the frame and a light dusting of the painting using a soft brush; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV sunlight.