Girl in Harlequin Costume with Flute
Painting on canvas • Sherle (likely a decorative artist or commercial Illustrator of the period)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Kitsch / Big Eyes Movement (influenced by Margaret Keane)
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas, characterized by soft blending and flat, illustrative brushwork in a Mid-Century Pop Kitsch style.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s-1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A young girl with large, expressive eyes dressed in a pink and blue harlequin-patterned costume. She holds a wooden flute and wears a pink mask atop her head, set against a festive background with confetti and streamers.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible surface grime, slight yellowing of varnish, and minor pigment loss in the lower right corner.
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300
Auction Estimate
$50 - $150
Provenance History
Likely purchased as decorative art through a gallery or department store in the mid-20th century; signature 'Sherle' is prominently placed in the lower left.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 1960s commercial art trend of 'sentimental big-eyed children,' which became a significant cultural phenomenon in American suburbia and mass-marketed art.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Sherle' signature in pink script; period-correct wooden frame with a gold-leafed inner fillet; iconic wide-eyed facial proportions typical of post-war emotive kitsch.
Condition Issues
Light scuffing, surface dirt accumulation, potential UV fading, and localized paint loss/abrasion at the bottom right edge near the frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning to remove nicotine or dust film; re-varnishing with a non-yellowing synthetic resin; ensure placement away from direct sunlight.