Domestic Still Life / Everyday Objects on Carpet
The photograph captures physical objects—a book, a plastic bottle, and clothing—arranged on a carpeted floor. No formal artwork is identified. • Anonymous photographer; book cover design by Allen Lane/Penguin Random House Canada for author Adam Shoalts.
Style & Movement
Social Realism / Conceptual Art (Modern Casual). The image represents a documentary, snapshot-style aesthetic common in amateur digital photography.
Medium & Technique
Digital photography capturing plastic, paper (offset lithography for the book cover), and synthetic textiles.
Creation Period
Modern/Contemporary (c. 2017–present, based on the publication date of the book).
Dimensions & Format
Vertical portrait orientation; physical objects vary (book approx. 6x9 inches).
Subject Description
Composition featuring a copy of 'A History of Canada in Ten Maps' by Adam Shoalts, a blue plastic water bottle, and discarded black clothing on a beige textured carpet. It depicts a scene of domestic clutter or a temporary living space.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair/Good; the environment reflects lived-in conditions (cluttered carpet), but the physical objects appear functional.
Estimated Market Value
Minimal/Negligible; resale value of the used book and recyclable plastic.
Auction Estimate
$5.00 - $15.00 USD (based on the secondary market for used non-fiction books).
Provenance History
Personal residence; contemporary consumer items purchased through retail channels.
Art Historical Significance
Low. While the book 'A History of Canada in Ten Maps' is culturally significant in Canadian cartographic history, the photograph itself serves a utilitarian or documentary purpose rather than a formal artistic one.
Notable Features
The presence of the specific title 'A History of Canada in Ten Maps' indicates an interest in exploration, history, and geography.
Condition Issues
Visible staining or wear on the carpet; possible minor scuffs on the book spine and bottle.
Conservation Recommendations
Standard library storage for the book (cool, dry place); recycling for the plastic bottle; cleaning/vacuuming for the textile flooring.