Harvest Mice on Hogweed
Print or Painting on paper, likely a limited edition lithograph or watercolor • Likely Gordon Beningfield (1936-1998)
Style & Movement
British Naturalism / Wildlife Illustration
Medium & Technique
Likely watercolor and bodycolor, or a high-quality offset lithograph; employs fine cross-hatching and soft blending in the background to create atmospheric depth
Creation Period
Late 20th century, circa 1970-1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (visible); vertical/portrait format
Subject Description
A pair of harvest mice perched on dried skeletal hogweed or cow parsley stems. The foreground features bright red poppies, while the background suggests a golden harvested field under a misty sky. This is classic pastoral iconography of the English countryside.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the image appears well-preserved behind glass
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 (if a signed print) or $1,000 - $2,500 (if an original watercolor)
Auction Estimate
$80 - $200 (for limited edition prints); $800 - $1,500 (for original watercolor works)
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist (as per owner information); typical of rural English gallery acquisitions from the late 20th century
Art Historical Significance
Represents the height of the mid-to-late 20th-century British interest in natural history illustration, popularized by artists who focused on the conservation of the English landscape and its microscopic fauna.
Notable Features
The distinctive soft-focus background contrasting with the intricate, detailed rendering of the animal fur and floral stems is a hallmark of high-quality British wildlife art.
Condition Issues
Possible minor fading due to light exposure if not protected by UV glass; slight yellowing of the paper margin may be present but is obscured by the matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure use of acid-free mounting and UV-reflective glazing to prevent further color degradation of the delicate pigments.
Collector Notes
FROM ARTIST