Loon and Lily (Common Loon on Water)
Limited Edition Print on archival paper • Al Agnew
Style & Movement
Contemporary Wildlife Realism (Naturalism)
Medium & Technique
Photolithograph or Giclée after an original gouache or acrylic painting; features mechanical printing with a hand-applied signature in graphite pencil.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, circa 1980-1995.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (print size), Portrait format; presented in a larger decorative frame with double matting.
Subject Description
A Common Loon (Gavia immer) in breeding plumage floats on a calm, deep blue water surface. The composition features a white water lily in the foreground with distinct reflections of both the bird and the flower on the water surface. The background is minimalist, emphasizing the serene, photographic-style detail of the bird's feathers and red eye.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears bright with no immediate signs of foxing or water damage, though it is housed in a standard retail-grade frame.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or wildlife art boutique; common in the Midwest United States market. No specific previous owner marks are visible beyond the pencil signature.
Art Historical Significance
Al Agnew is a prominent figure in the American wildlife art movement, known for conservation efforts and winning numerous state duck stamp competitions. This work is representative of the commercial success of wildlife realism in the 1980s and 90s, where high-quality reproductions brought naturalist art into middle-class homes.
Notable Features
Features a clear, hand-penciled signature by Al Agnew in the lower right margin, which distinguishes it from a lower-value open-edition poster reproduction.
Condition Issues
Possible minor UV fading if displayed in direct sunlight; the matting appears to be non-acid-free (standard paper mat), which may cause 'mat burn' or yellowing of the print edges over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Suggest reframing with acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glass to prevent fading of the blue pigments and paper degradation.