Description
A 1990 watercolor still life painting signed by American artist James Spencer Russell (1915-2000). The painting depicts dried wild flowers in a vase displayed upon a table next to the book Prometheus: The Life of Balzac by Andre Maurois. A wall sculpture, created by Russell himself, is depicted hanging above the table. Presented behind cream mat in a wood frame, the piece is signed "James Russell 1990" to the lower right corner.
Born in Monticello, Indiana, Russell was interested in art from a young age but was directed into pursuing a military career by his family. As a young person, he attended a military academy, became a celebrated codebreaker during WWII, and even received a scholarship to attend WestPoint. However, Russell's interest in art eventually led him to abandon his military pursuits and try to make it in the art world instead. After working as an NBC set designer after WWII, he turned his attention to becoming a full-time artist. During the 1960s, he started exhibiting his works alongside artists who would later come to characterize the art scene at the time, including Robert Rauschenberg and Roy Lichtenstein. He later moved back to Indiana where he continued to create art until his death in 2000.
Measurements:
12.5" W x 15.5" H x 1" H (frame), 7.75" W x 10.5" H (sight).
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Some scuffs to frame. Age appropriate wear.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Watercolor, Wood
Details:
Art Subjects: Interiors, Botanic, Still Life
Frame Type: Framed
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Born in Monticello, Indiana, Russell was interested in art from a young age but was directed into pursuing a military career by his family. As a young person, he attended a military academy, became a celebrated codebreaker during WWII, and even received a scholarship to attend WestPoint. However, Russell's interest in art eventually led him to abandon his military pursuits and try to make it in the art world instead. After working as an NBC set designer after WWII, he turned his attention to becoming a full-time artist. During the 1960s, he started exhibiting his works alongside artists who would later come to characterize the art scene at the time, including Robert Rauschenberg and Roy Lichtenstein. He later moved back to Indiana where he continued to create art until his death in 2000.
Measurements:
12.5" W x 15.5" H x 1" H (frame), 7.75" W x 10.5" H (sight).
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Some scuffs to frame. Age appropriate wear.
Origin:
United States
Materials & Techniques:
Watercolor, Wood
Details:
Art Subjects: Interiors, Botanic, Still Life
Frame Type: Framed
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Some scuffs to frame. Age appropriate wear.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Dimensions
15.5 x 12.5 x 1 in
1990 Watercolor Still Life Painting Signed by James Spencer Russell
Estimate $280-$640
Starting Bid
$140
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October Wildlife Art & Sculpture Edit
Oct 15, 2026, 4:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
$2,600
$240
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