Floral Still Life in Blue
Painting on canvas (likely mounted on board or panel) • Signed 'Arty' (bottom left). Attributed to a mid-century expressive artist, possibly of European or American school, working in a commercial or decorative fine art capacity.
Style & Movement
Expressionist Floral Still Life; Mid-Century Modern decorative art style emphasizing texture and color over realism.
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas; heavy impasto technique characterized by deep, sculptural application of paint using both brush and palette knife.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (circa 1960-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 8 inches excluding frame; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A vertical composition of red and white flowers (possibly anemones or poppies) arranged in a dark blue vase. Set against a deep cobalt blue background and a pale table surface. The work uses strong color contrasts and thick, tactile paint to create energy.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paint film is intact with heavy impasto preserved, though there is visible surface grime and yellowing of the varnish layers.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired through a private estate or gallery. The presence of a linen-lined mid-century frame suggests it has remained in a domestic collection since the 1970s.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the popular 20th-century trend of textured expressionist still lifes. It mirrors the post-war move toward expressive materiality in domestic-scale decorative works.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Arty' signature in the lower left corner; exceptional depth of impasto that creates a 3D effect; high-contrast primary color palette typical of mid-century expressionism.
Condition Issues
Surface dust accumulation within the deep impasto grooves; slight yellowing of top-coat varnish; minor scuffing on the white inner frame slip.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning with aqueous solutions to remove grime from the peaks and valleys of the impasto; archival framing update; keep away from direct UV light to prevent further varnish oxidation.