Pheasant in Winter (Likely 'Ring-necked Pheasant' or similar)
Limited edition print or offset lithograph on paper • Likely David Maass or a similar wildlife artist such as Maynard Reece or Owen Gromme
Style & Movement
American Wildlife Realism / Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Mechanical printing on heavy stock paper; original likely executed in gouache or watercolor with fine detail
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1970s–1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (viewable); vertical portrait orientation in a decorative frame
Subject Description
A single male ring-necked pheasant standing in a vast, snow-covered landscape. The composition is highly minimalist, featuring a low horizon line with a distant treeline, emphasizing the isolation and starkness of the winter habitat.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing some signs of age-related fading and mat burn
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased from a sporting goods gallery or conservation fundraiser (e.g., Ducks Unlimited or Pheasants Forever), common for this style of print
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-to-late 20th-century boom in American wildlife conservation art, designed to appeal to sporting enthusiasts and outdoorsmen.
Notable Features
The minimalist, high-key white-on-white composition is a hallmark of high-quality wildlife illustration, focusing on the bird's plumage against a stark environment.
Condition Issues
Possible light acidic mat burn along the edges of the print; potential UV fading of the blues and reds; some minor framing abrasions
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the current matting with acid-free museum board and installing UV-protective acrylic or glass to prevent further color degradation.