Three Sisters (or Three Girls in a Landscape)
Original drawing and watercolor on paper, matted and framed • Modernist school, style reminiscent of artists like Ben Shahn or early David Hockney; possibly an American illustrator or fine artist active in the mid-century
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern illustration / Figurative Expressionism with elements of Psychedelic or Folk influences
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink with watercolor wash over graphite; fine-line hatching and cross-hatching for texture and botanical detail
Creation Period
Circa 1960s–1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size); horizontal landscape format
Subject Description
Composition features three stylized female figures standing in a dense, botanical landscape. The figures are dressed in patterned 1960s-era clothing (floral prints, knee-high socks, sandals). The background includes oversized sunflowers, tree stumps, and intricate foliage, characteristic of the 'flower power' era aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing typical signs of age-related toning/yellowing of the paper and mat board
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200 (if by a noted regional artist)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery or private collection in the mid-to-late 20th century; original metal frame suggests professional framing from circa 1970
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-century figurative illustration, moving away from realism toward a more graphic, line-heavy aesthetic that influenced both commercial art and fine art during the 1960s.
Notable Features
Exquisite fine-line detail in the floral patterns and hair; the use of negative space in the sky contrasts with the densely packed illustrative foreground
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing (oxidation) of the paper consistent with age; possible light foxing; mat board shows moderate discoloration which may be acidic
Conservation Recommendations
Replace existing mat with acid-free museum-grade matting; install UV-protective glass to prevent further fading of the watercolor pigments; inspect for a signature hidden under the current mat