Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A charming and soft-hued pastel on paper depicting a fruit basket with grapes, lemons, and apples. The work is housed in a period-appropriate carved wooden frame with a metallic wash, signed and dated 'Mary Kiessling 1917' in the lower left corner.
Story
In 1917, while the world was engulfed in the Great War, an artist named Mary Kiessling captured this quiet, domestic moment. Still life works like this were essential exercises in light and texture for female artists of the era.
Maker / Origin
Mary Kiessling appears to be a regional or student artist active in the early 20th century. During this period, pastel was a favored medium for its immediacy and soft, painterly qualities, often taught in fine art academies and women's colleges.
Condition & Value
The pastel appears well-preserved under glass, though there is some minor debris or 'pastel dust' visible on the matting. The frame shows age-appropriate wear and minor gesso loss, which adds to its authentic antique character. Original framing significantly helps maintain value.
Full Research
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.
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.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.