Overview
This is a charming example of mid-century 'roadside' folk art, featuring an oil-painted winter landscape on a natural live-edge wood cross-section.
Preliminary identification
H. Wasbell Folk Art Winter Landscape Plaque, c. 1950s
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Story
Cookeville, Tennessee, served as the birthplace for these distinctive 'Art Plaques' during a time when the American middle class was first discovering the joy of the family road trip.
Maker / Origin
Herbert Wasbell operated a specialized manufacturing business in Cookeville that bridged the gap between industrial production and hand-painted craft.
Condition & Value
The bark edge appears remarkably well-preserved, which is unusual as it tends to become brittle and flake off over time. There is some visible paint loss and chipping on the high points of the impasto (the cabin roof), and some staining on the reverse side.
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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD