Autumnal Still Life with Corn and Apples
Painting on panel • American School; possibly by an itinerant or regional still life painter influenced by the Hudson River School or Peale family tradition.
Style & Movement
American Realism / Academic Still Life
Medium & Technique
Oil on wood panel; features traditional layering techniques with visible impasto on the corn husks and smooth blending on the fruit surfaces.
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th Century (circa 1880–1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; Landscape format
Subject Description
A rustic autumnal composition featuring indian corn with husks partially peeled back, several red apples, a dark pitcher or vessel in the background, and an apple sliced in half on the right foreground. The arrangement emphasizes natural textures and typical seasonal harvest themes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the panel exhibits significant age-related surface craquelure throughout and some darkening of the varnish layer.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $500 USD
Provenance History
Likely from a private Midwestern estate, as indicated by the auction house location (Decatur, IL). No specific collection labels are visible in the photograph.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 19th-century American domestic still life painting, following the tradition of celebrating regional bounty. It serves as a cultural record of decorative tastes and agricultural symbolism of the era.
Notable Features
The detail in the variegated kernels of the indian corn is particularly well-executed; the piece is housed in a modern gilded composition frame with a mounted picture light.
Condition Issues
Stable craquelure across the entire surface, yellowed/dirty varnish, minor frame abrasions, and potential drying cracks in the wood support.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional surface cleaning and varnish removal/replacement is recommended to restore color depth. Maintain in a climate-controlled environment to prevent further panel warping.