Young Woman in a White Chemise (Commonly referred to as a seated portrait in nature)
Mass-produced decorative print on paper, mounted to a wood plaque with resin/lacquer finish • Unidentified commercial illustrator or photographer; likely produced for a home decor company such as Turner Manufacturing Co. or similar
Style & Movement
Mid-century Kitsch / Commercial Pin-up Romanticism
Medium & Technique
Offset lithographic print; decoupage technique with thick lacquer coating on a beveled pine wood plaque
Creation Period
Circa 1970s; late mid-century mass-market decor
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches; vertical oval format
Subject Description
A young woman with long brunette hair wearing a ragged white chemise, seated in an outdoor landscape with a soft-focus cloudy background. The composition emphasizes a romanticized, slightly provocative 'damsel' aesthetic common in 1970s interior decor.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; typical aging for commercial wood plaques of this era
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a department store or general retailer in the 1970s; currently situated in a commercial/bar environment
Art Historical Significance
Low art historical significance; representative of mass-market interior design trends of the late 20th century and the commercialization of the 'earthy' romantic aesthetic.
Notable Features
The piece is a classic example of 'basement' or 'den' decor from the 1970s, characterized by the dark-stained wood plaque and thick glossy finish.
Condition Issues
Visible surface scratches on the resin coating, minor yellowing of the lacquer, and general wear to the wood edges including small dents and dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the print dyes; clean surface with a soft damp cloth, avoiding solvents that might damage the lacquer.