Miniature Still Life Appraisal

Framed Miniature Still Life Oil Painting by H. Lerand

This item is a framed miniature still life oil painting, depicting a tabletop scene with fruit. The composition features a wooden bowl filled with various fruits, including what appear to be red apples or pomegranates and green grapes, positioned to the left. To the right, a woven basket also holds several red fruits, possibly apples. A few detached green grapes are scattered on the brown tabletop surface, which is rendered with subtle variations in tone. The background is a muted, darker grey, creating depth and allowing the still life elements to stand out. The color palette primarily consists of earthy browns, reds, greens, and greys. The brushstrokes appear relatively loose and expressive, characteristic of an impressionistic or post-impressionistic style, suggesting an estimated age from the mid-20th century onwards. The painting shows visible brushwork, indicating oil or acrylic as the medium. The artwork is housed in a rectangular frame with dimensions suggesting it is a miniature or small-scale piece. The frame itself is made of wood, finished with a distressed or antiqued gold-tone effect, exhibiting some dark patination in the recesses which enhances its aged appearance. The frame has a prominent outer molding and a raised inner section, leading to a thin, flat white liner that separates the frame from the artwork, creating a visual border. The liner shows some minor discolored marks at the bottom. The painting itself appears to be in good overall condition, with no overt signs of cracking, flaking, or significant damage visible. The signature 'H. Lerand' is clearly legible in the lower left corner of the painting, indicating the artist's identity. The quality of craftsmanship is fair, typical of decorative art rather than museum-quality fine art, but it demonstrates competent handling of light, shadow, and form.