Original Signed Karen Maloof Hand-Colored Photograph Vase II Limited Edition 5/100 Still-Life 1989

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Original Signed Karen Maloof Hand-Colored Photograph Vase II Limited Edition 5/100 Still-Life 1989

This exquisite original still-life photograph by celebrated … Read more Original Signed Karen Maloof Hand-Colored Photograph Vase II Limited Edition 5/100 Still-Life 1989

This exquisite original still-life photograph by celebrated American artist Karen Maloof, titled Vase II, captures a serene, ethereal interior scene bathed in soft natural light. Executed in 1989, this rare limited-edition work is number five of only 100 produced and serves as a premier example of the artist's signature hand-coloring technique. Starting with a monochromatic base, Maloof meticulously applied transparent oils and colored pencils to the print's surface, creating a painterly impressionist quality that traditional photography cannot achieve. The composition features a graceful floral arrangement in a sculptural cream-colored vase, resting on a classic windowsill against a backdrop of filtered sunlight. The muted palette of soft yellows, dusty pinks, and pale teals offers a tranquil, sophisticated aesthetic that complements a wide range of high-end interior design styles.

About the Artist
Karen Maloof is a highly regarded American artist whose career spans over four decades of exploring the intersection of light, shadow, and atmosphere. She gained international recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for her innovative painted photography, which bridged the gap between fine art photography and classical oil painting. Her work has been widely published and is held in numerous prestigious corporate, medical, and private collections worldwide. Known for her ability to find beauty in quiet moments and nostalgic settings, Maloof eventually shifted her primary focus to traditional oil on canvas, making these early hand-colored photographic works increasingly scarce and desirable for collectors of late twentieth-century American art.

Historical Significance and Technique
The late 1980s marked a pivotal era in the art world, as photographers began experimenting with the physical manipulation of prints to challenge the boundaries of the medium. Vase II represents the height of the hand-tinting movement, which allowed artists like Karen Maloof to infuse photography with a tactile human element. By manually applying pigment to each print, Maloof ensured that every piece in the edition possessed subtle, unique variations, effectively making this work a hybrid between a multiple and an original painting. This piece stands as a beautiful historical document of the analog era of photography, where the artist's hand was as essential to the final image as the camera lens itself.

Specifications and Dimensions
Artist: Karen Maloof
Title: Vase II
Date: 1989
Medium: Hand Colored Photograph with Oils and Colored Pencils
Edition: 5/100
Signature: Hand-signed, numbered, and dated by the artist in the lower margin
Frame Dimensions: 19.25” W x 1” D x 25.25” H
Image Dimensions: 10.5” W x 16.5” H
Subject: Floral Still Life and Interior Architecture
Style: Contemporary Impressionism, Romantic Realism, and Mid-Century Modern
Frame: Original Professional Silver-Toned Metal Frame with Archival Matting

Condition Report
This vintage 1989 artwork is in very good condition with the hand-applied colors remaining vibrant and true to the artist's original vision. The photographic paper is flat and free of foxing, moisture damage, or noticeable fading. The print is housed under glass and protected by a clean, professional cream colored mat. The original silver-toned metal frame is structurally sound and presents very well, showing only minor age-appropriate surface wear to the edges that does not distract from the overall beauty of the piece. The reverse is sealed with a wire hanger installed for immediate gallery-style display.

Designers Note
For an interior designer seeking a piece of artwork that provides a sense of calm and effortless elegance, this Karen Maloof photograph is an ideal selection. Its vertical format and soft atmospheric lighting make it a perfect candidate for a serene bedroom suite, a sophisticated powder room, or a transitional hallway gallery. The neutral palette harmonizes beautifully with both traditional antique furnishings and sleek modern interiors. Consider hanging this piece in a space with soft ambient lighting to fully appreciate the delicate hand-painted textures and the subtle glow of the sunlit window.

Collectibility and Investment Value
As a low-numbered edition from early in the artist's career, this work holds significant appeal for collectors of 1980s fine art photography. Because Karen Maloof has moved into traditional painting, her early hand-colored photographs are no longer being produced, creating a finite market supply. The inclusion of the original signature and date provides excellent documentation of its pedigree. Acquiring a low-number edition, like edition five, ensures you receive a print handled and approved early in the run, making it a high-quality asset for a growing private collection.

Vase II by Karen Maloof is a timeless masterwork that offers a unique window into a quiet moment of beauty. Its combination of photographic precision and painterly warmth makes it a captivating conversation piece that transcends trends. Whether you are a dedicated collector of Maloof’s work or a homeowner looking for a sophisticated piece of original art, this 1989 signed photograph provides a rare opportunity to own a beautiful slice of American art history. This piece is ready to bring its peaceful energy and refined style to a new home where it will be cherished for years to come. See less