Bouquet of Flowers
Painting on canvas or canvas board • Arlene Francis (identified via nameplate and lower right signature)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Decorative Impressionism; American representational floral still life.
Medium & Technique
Oil or acrylic on canvas; palette knife and brushwork with visible surface texture, wet-on-wet technique in the background.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1950-1970)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (canvas); 30 x 24 inches (framed); vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A vertical composition of a varied floral bouquet including roses, carnations, and small sprig-like accents in a blue ceramic footed vase with double handles. The background is a muted, atmospheric gradient of grey-blue and beige.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair; the painting shows visible surface abrasions and small losses in the right-center field and background.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Indications of previous gallery or estate ownership based on the brass title plate; likely a private collection acquisition from the mid-to-late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
A typical example of mid-century American decorative floral painting. While Arlene Francis is a name associated with the famous actress/TV personality, this work likely represents a regional artist or a commercial decorative piece from that era intended for residential interiors.
Notable Features
Features an identifying brass nameplate on the inner frame lip; signed 'ARLENE FRANCIS' in the lower right corner; housed in a period-correct carved and gilded wood frame.
Condition Issues
Notable surface scratches and paint loss on the right side of the canvas; minor cracking (craquelure) may be present; frame shows minor edge wear and age-related gilding loss.
Conservation Recommendations
Minor surface cleaning and professional infilling/inpainting of the losses on the right side; maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.