‘Cherry Blossom’ by Cecil Kennedy (1905-1997).

The painting – which depicts pink and white blossom in a blue Salviati glass vase with peaches and grapes on a mahogany table – is signed by the artist and presented in a newly commissioned gold metal leaf Chippendale design frame.

Perhaps the most eminent British flower painter of the 20^th century, Cecil Kennedy counted the Duke of Windsor, the Astor family and Queen Mary among his patrons. Kennedy often included a ladybird, and occasionally a bee, in his floral compositions which began a tradition amongst buyers to see who could spot the insects first. When Queen Mary was heard to remark; “When I see Cecil Kennedy paintings, I can smell the flowers and hear the hum of the bees”, the artist never again painted a still life without one. The absence of a bee in the present work dates it to pre-1953.

As well as exhibiting at the Royal Academy in London, still lifes by Cecil Kennedy were hung at the Royal Scottish Academy, the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the Salon in Paris where he was awarded both a gold and silver medal.

Academy Fine Paintings only offers artwork for sale in the finest condition it can be for its age, having been professionally cleaned, conserved, and re-varnished. Clients should also note that tracked and signed for international shipping is complimentary.

Dimensions: (framed) 61cm x 52cm (24” x 20½”)

Dimensions: (canvas only) 48cm x 39.5cm (19” x 15½”)

Medium: Oil on canvas.

Provenance: Circa 1950; with the Fine Art Society. Thence in private UK collection.

Presentation: Fine quality gold metal leaf frame.

Condition: Very good. Professionally cleaned, restored, and re-varnished. Ready to hang.