Foal by a White Fence
Painting on canvas board or stretched canvas • Signed 'RENEE' lower right; likely a gifted amateur or regional student artist
Style & Movement
Representational Folk Art / Naive Realism
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or oil on canvas with visible brushwork and layered application
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8 x 10 inches; Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A young brown foal stands in a grassy paddock, looking back toward the viewer. The background features a white wooden fence and autumnal trees under a golden sky. The work captures a serene, pastoral narrative common in equestrian folk art
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible surface dirt and one minor paint loss/white fleck on the lower right leg of the horse
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely private collection or family inheritance; no visible professional gallery labels
Art Historical Significance
Minor; represents the tradition of hobbyist animal portraiture and regional American folk art styles of the late 20th century
Notable Features
Clear block-letter signature 'RENEE' in the lower right corner; the use of high-contrast white paint on the fence provides a strong horizontal counterpoint to the verticality of the foal's legs
Condition Issues
Minor scuffing near the frame edges, slight surface grime, and a small white spot on the horse's left rear leg that may be a paint chip
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional is not economically viable; keep in a dry environment away from direct sunlight; consider reframing in a higher-quality wood frame to enhance aesthetic appeal