Jesten Miller Studio Appraisal

Jesten-Miller Studio Sheet Music Inset Frame

This item is a rectangular, ivory-toned cardstock folder or mat containing a centered rectangular inset of sheet music titled 'SUNDOWN'. The sheet music is uniquely presented with white musical notation and lyrics on a black background, framed by a thin silver-toned metallic or painted border. The lyrics state 'Words and music By Frank Slick' and depict a melancholy theme. In the lower right corner, the mark 'JESTEN-MILLER STUDIO' is printed in a stylized, early-to-mid 20th-century sans-serif typeface. Physically, the outer cardstock shows significant signs of age, including yellowing, foxing (brown spotting), and staining, particularly near the top left and bottom right corners. The edges of the paper board exhibit wear and slight peeling, suggesting it may have been part of a larger presentation folder or a commemorative photograph mount. The sheet music itself appears to be a photographic or photostatic print rather than a standard lithograph. The overall aesthetic suggests an American art deco or mid-century influence, likely dating between the 1930s and 1950s. The Jesten-Miller Studio was historically associated with photography, specifically in the Minneapolis area, suggesting this may be a specialized musical portrait or memorial keepsake.