Sunflower
Print with hand-finishing on paper, matted and framed • Attributed to an artist in the contemporary realist or botanical expressionist school; signature appears to be contemporary (possibly local or regional professional artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism with Expressionist influences; Modern Botanical Art
Medium & Technique
Screenprint or lithograph with hand-applied gouache or acrylic highlights; techniques include stippling for the seed head and fluid, expressive brushwork for the petals
Creation Period
Late 20th century to early 21st century (dated '99 or similar in signature)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 inches including frame; large vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A close-up, dramatic study of a single sunflower head. The composition focuses on the textural contrast between the dense, dark central disk and the wild, wilting yellow-ochre petals. It utilizes a low-key palette to evoke a sense of late-season decay or Vanitas.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print and hand-applied media appear stable, though there is a slight ripple in the paper support and minor frame edge wear
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $900 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a contemporary art gallery or direct from the artist's studio; numbered lower left (e.g., 5/50) indicating a limited edition run
Art Historical Significance
The work participates in the long tradition of sunflower portraiture (notably Van Gogh and Mondrian) but updates it with a contemporary focus on macro-lensing and atmospheric tonalism. It represents the intersection of printmaking and unique painting.
Notable Features
Hand-signed and numbered in pencil below the image; notable for its 'painterly' quality which elevates it from a standard reproduction to a semi-unique work of art
Condition Issues
Minor cockling (waving) of the paper due to humidity or mounting; slight scuffing on the bottom right corner of the black wood frame
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the work is mounted using acid-free materials and UV-protective glazing to prevent fading of the hand-painted highlights; maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity