Home Sweet Home (Bible and Oil Lamp Still Life)
Offset lithographic print on paper • Ken Holland (American, 20th century)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Christian Realism / Americana
Medium & Technique
Mechanical printing (offset lithography) based on a original painting using realism and chiaroscuro techniques to simulate glass transparency and candlelight.
Creation Period
1974 (dated in plate)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches (image); Portrait format
Subject Description
A still life composition featuring a lighted oil lamp with 'Home Sweet Home' etched on the glass, an open Bible with red-edged pages, a glass of milk, a piece of bread/cornbread, and a spoon. The scene is heavily symbolic of spiritual nourishment and domestic piety, specifically referencing ‘John 3:16’ as printed beneath the book.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of age and environmental exposure.
Estimated Market Value
US$25 - US$75
Auction Estimate
US$10 - US$40
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a Christian bookstore or art gallery specializing in inspirational decor in the late 1970s or 1980s; mass-produced as part of a 'Decanter Series'.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century Protestant devotional art in America. It reflects the intersection of commercial art and religious iconography designed for domestic settings.
Notable Features
Features the printed signature of Ken Holland, the date 1974, and the series title 'Decanter Series' in the lower-left corner. Includes a printed reference to the Bible verse John 3:16.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing (brown spots) throughout the image and matting, slight fading from light exposure, and accumulated dust/debris under the glass frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the acidic matting with archival acid-free mat board and cleaning the glass. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the lithographic inks.