Winter Cardinal at the Window
Original painting on stretched canvas • Stipka (Signed lower right)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Folk Art / Illustrative Realism
Medium & Technique
Acrylic on canvas; utilizing wet-on-dry layering, impasto effects for snow texture, and scumbling to create the soft glow around the candles.
Creation Period
2023 (based on '23 signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A winter scene depicting a bright red cardinal perched on snow-laden branches in front of a multi-pane window. Inside, three white lit candles glow against a purple interior background. The foreground features a dense holiday garland of evergreen needles, pine cones, and red berries dusted with snow.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint surface is vibrant and intact with no visible signs of age-related degradation.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$75 - $150 USD
Provenance History
Likely a contemporary private purchase or commission directly from the artist or a local gallery/fair; no secondary market labels visible.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of modern hobbyist or local artisan winter-themed decorative art. It follows the tradition of American holiday greeting card aesthetics and wildlife illustration intended for domestic display.
Notable Features
Heavy textural application of white paint to simulate the dimensionality of snow on branches and pinecones; distinctive signature 'Stipka '23' in white script at the bottom right.
Condition Issues
None visible; slight surface dust may be present due to the textured impasto snow, but no cracking (craquelure) or paint loss is evident.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight to prevent UV fading of the acrylic pigments. Frame under glass or acrylic with a spacer to protect the thick texture from dust accumulation.