Original signed oil painting by French still-life artist Frank Lean (20th century), known for trompe l'oeil compositions of books, jugs, and quills. This piece depicts a small ceramic vase nestled among stacked antique books, with a quill pen and an open book in the foreground, rendered in warm ochre, rust, and olive tones against a dark background. Housed in its original gold gilt wood frame, circa mid-20th century France. Frame shows some age-appropriate wear including minor gesso loss at the corners (see last 2 pics); canvas is stable. Has wire on the reverse ready for hanging. Signed lower left. A great addition to a traditional, mid-century, academic, or dark academia interior. Measures approximately 11 inches by 9 inches. Keywords: Dark Academia Scholarly Library Antiquarian Gilded Composition Canvas Impasto Tabletop Literary Collectible