A hand-painted mycological study, likely British or French, circa 1930s-1940s, showing nine woodland fungi rendered from direct observation – the turned cap revealing gills, the coral russula at centre, the delicate stems disappearing into moss.
The painting sits in its original bird's eye maple frame with warm honey tones and a fine gilt inner edge, the exact profile 1stDibs dealers describe on period still lifes. The frame has the soft ogee moulding and hand-finished corners typical of interwar English framing, with honest wear that proves age.
Why this piece matters for collectors:
• True oil on canvas board with natural craquelure, no overpainting
• Mycology subject matter – increasingly sought for dark academia libraries, natural history interiors, and chef's kitchens
• Small scale makes it versatile: perfect above a bar cart, in a powder room gallery wall, or layered on a bookshelf
• Sourced in Europe during our last buying trip, part of the Wanderlust Antiquing archive
Condition notes from hand inspection: stable surface with even age crackle. Two small pinpoint losses upper right, light scuff left edge, frame with minor wear at mitres. Unlined, unsigned – typical for student or field studies of the period. Ready to hang with original wire.