Antique Still Life of Poppies in Vase, Signed by R. Goodwin, ESK, c1890

Available is an antique still life of red poppies set in a vase atop an imari porcelain plate. The bouquet is enhanced with ferns and Queen Anne's lace, flora often found growing wild in the English countryside. The dark background provides a pleasant contrast with the red-orange flowers, which are echoed in the colors of the plate. 

The painting is signed R. Goodwin in bottom right corner. The back of the canvas provides a clue to origin, as it is stamped 'E.S.K.' This indicates that the painting was produced as part of a student examination for the Government School of Design in South Kensington. This piece shows an advanced skill level, as a student nearing the end of their training would have produced. The School of Design, first moved to South Kensington in 1853, was eventually renamed Royal College of Art in 1896.

Estimated age of painting c1890. The canvas appears to have been relined, with the original stamp on the back retained. Overpainting noted along the edges. Small repair to canvas noted near center bottom. Moderate wear on the edges. Canvas is on wood stretchers. Unframed. Found in England.