Three Young Figures (Triptych of Girls)
Painting on panel, housed in a wide carved wooden frame with linen liner • Signed 'ROSEN' (lower right); associated with mid-century modern figurative schools or possibly a regional American or Israeli artist of that period
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modernism / Expressionist Figurative Art / Existentialist Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on board/masonite; features sgraffito technique, thin washes, and impasto highlights with a limited tonal palette
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches (sight size); overall frame 16 x 18 inches. Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
Three ethereal, elongated figures of young girls standing side-by-side against a dark, moody background. The composition uses a ghostly, monochromatic palette, emphasizing isolation and a haunting, melancholic mood.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light surface dirt, some yellowing of the varnish, and age-related wear to the frame
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery or private collection during the post-war era; the 'Rosen' signature and the specific Brutalist-style frame suggest a boutique gallery origin
Art Historical Significance
Represents the post-war shift toward expressive, somewhat haunting figuration that reflects 20th-century anxieties and the influence of Giacometti or Modigliani
Notable Features
Distinctive hand-carved 'Brutalist' or 'rough-hewn' wooden frame; stylized block signature 'ROSEN'; high-contrast chiaroscuro effect in the background
Condition Issues
Minor surface abrasions; age-related discoloration of the linen liner; some chipping on the dark-stained carved frame
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning by a professional; replacement of the aged linen liner; ensure UV-protective glass if reframed