Preliminary identification

Floral Still Life Oil Painting by W. J. Stigling, dated 1929

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a vibrant and beautifully composed original oil on board floral still life, featuring an abundant arrangement of chrysanthemums and autumn blooms in a glazed ceramic vessel. Signed and dated 'W. J. Stigling 29' in the lower right corner, the work captures the rich, earthy palette and soft, atmospheric lighting characteristic of early 20th-century regional impressionism.

Story

In 1929, as the global economy stood on the brink of the Great Depression, artists turned to the enduring beauty of nature for solace. This piece captures a fleeting autumn arrangement, preserving a moment of domestic warmth and quiet beauty from a world on the cusp of monumental change.

Maker / Origin

The painting is signed by W. J. Stigling, an artist whose style aligns closely with the South African school of painters active in the early to mid-20th century. Artists of this circle often focused on local flora, capturing the unique quality of Southern Hemisphere light using European post-impressionist techniques.

Condition & Value

The painting appears to be in very good vintage condition with stable paint layers and no obvious signs of flaking or major discoloration. The ornate gilt frame shows minor age-appropriate wear but complements the artwork beautifully. Excellent preservation of the original colors.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.