Floral Still Life with Candelabra
Painting on canvas (likely cotton duck or linen) • Signed 'Jordan' (lower right). This appears to be the work of a skilled decorative or regional artist, possibly Evelyn Jordan or a contemporary equivalent from the mid-century American school.
Style & Movement
Impressionistic Still Life / Decorative Mid-Century Realism
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing wet-on-wet technique, impasto highlights on the white flowers, and soft scumbling for background atmospheric effects.
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century (circa 1960-1980)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 24 inches (canvas only); Landscape format. Including frame: approx. 28 x 32 inches.
Subject Description
The composition features a lush bouquet of chrysanthemums, delphiniums, and other purple and white flora set in a round purple ceramic bowl. To the right sits an ornate crystal candelabra or hurricane lamp with glass prisms. The arrangement is set on a light blue draped fabric against a soft, variegated teal and grey background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paint layer appears stable with no immediate signs of flaking or major loss. The frame shows mild wear consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
No visible stamps; likely acquired through a regional gallery or boutique in the mid-20th century. Private collection origin.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-century demand for classically themed interior decoration that blended traditional still-life motifs with the loose, expressive brushwork of late 19th-century Impressionism. It reflects the post-war trend of 'attainable art' for suburban households.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive white signature 'Jordan' in the lower right corner. The ornate gilt wood frame is characteristic of the 1970s revival of 'Spanish' or 'Baroque' heavy-profile framing.
Condition Issues
Minor surface grime; slight yellowing of the varnish may be present. Some minor craquelure is possible under magnification. The linen liner of the frame shows slight discoloration.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning recommended to brighten the whites; keep out of direct UV light to prevent fading of the purple pigments; maintain stable humidity to prevent canvas slackening.