Autumnal Still Life with Foliage and Fruit
Painting on canvas • Attributed to M. Bidard (signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Post-Cubist synthesis, showing influence of Cezanne and Lyrical Abstraction.
Medium & Technique
Oil technique utilizing faceted brushwork, thin glazes, and a semi-abstracted approach to form and volume.
Creation Period
1953 (as indicated by the date next to the signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A still life composition featuring a central glass vase containing dried autumnal leaves, surrounded by scattered apples or peaches. The background is broken into geometric planes of earth-toned colors.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the work appears well-preserved with stable paint film and appropriate aging for its mid-20th-century origin.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a private collection or European gallery given the style and signature.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of the post-war European trend of 'Peintres de la Réalité Poétique' or similar semi-abstract schools that sought to balance traditional subjects with modern geometric simplification.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature 'M. Bidard 1953' in the lower right quadrant; the use of a muted, autumnal palette of ochres, siennas, and umbers is particularly cohesive.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust and very slight yellowing of the varnish layer; potential minor abrasions near the frame edge.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning recommended; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV exposure.
Collector Notes
Oil painting