Preliminary identification

Mid-Century Portrait of Queen Nefertiti by Rees

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

An evocative mid-century oil painting on canvas board depicting the iconic profile of Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. Signed 'Rees' in the lower right and titled 'Nefertiti' in the lower left, this piece captures the timeless allure of the famous Amarna-period bust discovered in 1912.

Story

Ever since her bust was unearthed in 1912, Queen Nefertiti has reigned as a global symbol of feminine beauty. This mid-century painting reflects a mid-20th-century obsession with ancient Egypt, bringing her royal profile into the modern living room.

Maker / Origin

The artist, signing simply as 'Rees' on both the front and back of the canvas board, appears to be a talented mid-century regional or hobbyist painter. While not a widely listed gallery artist, Rees possessed a strong eye for graphic composition and color harmony, typical of mid-century decorative illustrators.

Condition & Value

The painting itself is in good vintage condition with some minor scuffs and paint loss on the blue crown. The original gilded frame shows beautiful age-appropriate craquelure and minor wear, which enhances its vintage character. These minor imperfections are typical for its age and do not significantly hurt the value.

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

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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.