Mallards in Flight over Swamp
Print (Offset Lithograph) on paper, framed under glass • Lee LeBlanc (signed in plate lower left)
Style & Movement
Wildlife Realism / Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Mechanical print/lithography technique after an original gouache or acrylic painting, featuring flat application of color and precise detail consistent with commercial wildlife illustration
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (image size), Portrait format with wooden frame and decorative mat
Subject Description
A male and female mallard duck are depicted in mid-flight surfacing or landing in a wooded swampland. A prominent cypress tree trunk and knees sit in still water in the foreground, with skeletal autumnal trees in the background. The work captures a specific moment typical of American duck hunting/sporting imagery.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light mat burn or slight discoloration near the edges where the paper meets the mat, likely due to acidic framing materials
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely part of a mass-produced edition for the sporting art market or a conservation organization like Ducks Unlimited; private collection
Art Historical Significance
Lee LeBlanc was a significant mid-century wildlife artist known for winning the Federal Duck Stamp contest (1973-74). His work is a cornerstone of American conservation-themed sporting art, blending commercial illustration accuracy with fine art aesthetics.
Notable Features
Features the distinctive cursive signature of Lee LeBlanc with a copyright symbol in the lower left corner of the image; classic 1980s-style triple-stepped matting and oak-finished frame
Condition Issues
Potential fading of pigments due to UV exposure; acid migration from non-conservation grade matting; minor scuffs on the wooden frame
Conservation Recommendations
If the artwork is of high sentimental value, it should be re-framed using acid-free archival mats and UV-protective glazing to prevent further yellowing and fading