Vivid and full of Southwestern spirit, this Mid-Century Southwestern still life oil painting was sourced from the estate of Jonathan Parks at his Santa Fe estate sale. The work beautifully captures the region’s distinctive aesthetic—warm desert hues, handmade textiles, and organic forms—hallmarks of midcentury Santa Fe art.
The composition features a vibrant snake plant (Sansevieria) in a rustic clay pot, set before a boldly striped Mexican serape draped over a wooden chair. Rendered in expressive brushstrokes of green, ochre, and sienna, the piece evokes the rhythm and color of Southwestern modernism, where folk craft meets painterly abstraction.
The painting, executed in oil on board, is framed in its original carved wood frame with beaded inner edge and natural patina. On the verso, a faint handwritten inscription appears to read “Painted in Taos by Mr. Frank ___, still life,” suggesting midcentury regional provenance tied to the Taos and Santa Fe art circles—famed for their blend of modernist experimentation and desert influence.
Ideal for collectors of Southwestern modern art, Santa Fe regionalism, or folk modern still lifes, this piece exudes authenticity and quiet sophistication. It would look stunning in Adobe-inspired interiors, bohemian desert spaces, or midcentury modern homes craving a touch of warmth and history.
Details:
Title: Untitled (Still Life with Snake Plant and Serape)
Provenance: From the Jonathan Parks Estate, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Origin: Possibly Taos, mid-20th century
Medium: Oil on board
Frame: Original wood frame with bead detailing
Condition: Light craquelure and minor surface wear consistent with age; retains rich color and original varnish. Some missing beadwork from the frame.
Styling Notes:
Display as a focal piece in a Southwestern or desert modern interior
Pair with vintage serapes, rustic furniture, or clay vessels for a collected look
Ideal for gallery walls featuring New Mexico, Taos, or Santa Fe school artists.
Dimensions:
17" Wide
17.5" Tall
.5" Deep
1.6 lbs
