A Study in Lilac and Light

There’s something hauntingly tender about this one—like walking into a dimly lit French salon and finding a bloom-filled canvas catching the last of the afternoon light. Thick lilac blossoms tumble forward, mingled with moody irises and spring stems, all rendered in oil with a painter’s confident hand and a hint of wildness. You can almost smell the green.

A Painting with a Story

Likely painted between 1880 and 1910, this unsigned floral still life captures the heart of late 19th-century provincial artistry—where floral arrangements were less polished, more lived-in. A celebration of spring’s fleeting abundance, it was probably painted by a skilled amateur or regional artist and framed shortly after completion in this richly toned giltwood frame.

The paint is applied with palpable texture, especially in the lilac blooms, where a palette knife may have been used. The background foliage is deep and enveloping, a moody green foil to the bright blooms that bring the piece to life.

Details & Condition

• Medium: Oil on canvas, measures 11" x 13.5"

• Era: Circa 1880–1910

• Original frame: Giltwood with surface wear and lovely age patina

• Condition: Surface shows buckling, light cracking, and minor paint loss. No signature visible. Best enjoyed in its current, timeworn state.

• Provenance: France

This is not a pristine piece—it’s beautifully aged, with texture and irregularities that whisper of its time.

A Versatile Accent Piece

Perfect for anchoring a vintage gallery wall, adding soul to a guest room or pairing with wild blooms in a French country hallway. It’s the kind of painting that doesn’t need a spotlight—it is the quiet spotlight.

All of our vintage art and wares are sourced from markets and brocantes across France and the UK. We go to great lengths to learn the stories behind the pieces, so you can carry on its history. Please note, all vintage items have minor imperfections due to age and wear, making the piece a touch more authentic!