Mid-Century Modern Cubist Abstract Still Life Signed “Daler”

Made in USA c. 1945–1965.

Framed Approximately 25 1/2" Wide x 21 1/2" Long x 1 3/4" Deep.

Original mid-century modern abstract still life painting on canvas, signed at the lower left with a stylized signature “Daler.” The artist has not been positively identified.

This sophisticated postwar composition is executed in a Cubist/Post-Cubist modernist vocabulary, reducing a tabletop still life into overlapping geometric planes and abstracted vessel forms.

A central terracotta/salmon vertical form suggests a bottle or vase, surrounded by circular, elliptical and angular elements that evoke bowls, tableware and other still-life objects viewed from shifting perspectives.

The restrained palette of slate and navy blue, muted olive/ochre, dusty salmon/terracotta, cream and pale blue-gray gives the work a particularly attractive period character.

Shapes are defined primarily through adjoining fields of color rather than heavy outlines, creating a strong architectural composition while retaining the suggestion of recognizable objects.

Close examination of the surface shows hand-painted brushwork, irregular painted boundaries, overlapping applications of color and visible canvas texture.

Based on the composition, palette and technique, we believe the work most likely dates to approximately the postwar period, circa 1945–1965.

Presented in a substantial molded metallic/gilt-finish frame with hanging wire on the reverse. The generous frame gives the relatively intimate painting a dramatic architectural presentation.

The canvas is mounted on a separate wooden stretcher. The existing stretcher and/or framing may postdate the painting.

Excellent vintage condition consistent with age. The painted surface shows the texture and minor irregularities expected of an original hand-painted canvas. The frame shows age-related wear and surface variation.