Little Love
Original mixed media painting on handmade paper • Graciela Rodo Boulanger (Bolivian, b. 1935)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative / Modern Naivist Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including acrylic, ink, collage elements of sheet music, and possibly serigraphic elements with hand-painting
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (circa 1990s-early 2000s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 16 inches (artwork only), portrait format
Subject Description
A whimsical, nostalgic composition featuring Boulanger's characteristic stylized figures in Victorian-era attire (top hats and bonnets). The piece includes elements of music (torn sheet music) and organic motifs (daisies), framed by calligraphic handwritten text around the border reflecting the themes of love and life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; appears well-preserved in a professional frame under glass
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $5,000
Auction Estimate
$1,500 - $2,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a commercial gallery or fine art cruise auction (such as Park West Gallery), commonly associated with the distribution of Boulanger's work in this period
Art Historical Significance
Boulanger is renowned for her depictions of childhood and musical themes. This piece is significant for its incorporation of text and collage, representing her mature style which blends rhythmic composition with a lyrical, child-like innocence.
Notable Features
Handwritten marginalia in cursive; deckled edge paper float-mounted in the frame; signature 'G. Rodo Boulanger' visible in the lower margin
Condition Issues
No visible foxing, fading, or moisture damage; edges of the paper are deckled (typical for handmade paper, not a condition issue)
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV sunlight; ensure the use of acid-free mounting materials and archival glass if re-framing