Vase of Lilacs against Dark Background
Painting on canvas or panel, framed format • Signed with initials CM and dated 82 in the lower right; artist is currently unidentified
Style & Movement
Contemporary or Post-Impressionist still life painting style
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic paint, featuring impasto brushwork and thick application of pigment for the floral clusters, set against a dark, moody background
Creation Period
Dated 1982
Dimensions & Format
Estimated small-to-medium cabinet painting, vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A still life composition depicting a dark ceramic vase filled with a lush bouquet of purplish-white lilacs and green foliage, resting on a draped surface against a dark, vertical-streaked background
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition overall, with stable paint layers and minimal visible surface disruption, presented in a distressed wooden frame
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Private collection, acquired directly or through secondary art markets; signed and dated by the artist in the lower right corner
Art Historical Significance
A charming example of late 20th-century amateur or regional still life painting, continuing the rich tradition of floral arrangements in domestic interiors
Notable Features
Distinctive initials signature 'CM 82' in the lower right corner, expressive impasto texture on the lilac blossoms, and dramatic high-contrast lighting against a dark ground
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust or light wear to the frame consistent with age, no major tears or paint loss apparent from the image
Conservation Recommendations
Standard preventative conservation including display away from direct sunlight, maintaining stable relative humidity, and dusting the surface gently with a soft brush