Young Rabbit with Clover
Original drawing or limited edition print on textured paper • Bill West (American, 20th century naturalist/illustrator)
Style & Movement
Naturalist Illustration / Realism
Medium & Technique
Fineliner pen and ink with subtle watercolor or colored pencil wash; employs hatching and cross-hatching for texture
Creation Period
1978
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8x10 inches (image), 11x14 inches (matted); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A detailed botanical and zoological study depicting a young rabbit (juvenile cottontail) nestled within a patch of red or white clover. The composition focuses on the tactile quality of the fur and the delicate structure of the leaves, reflecting a quiet, pastoral narrative typical of 1970s American wildlife art.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; significant moisture staining and foxing visible in the upper register
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a regional gallery or art fair in the late 1970s; handwritten signature and date '78 indicate a contemporary purchase from the artist or an early primary market sale.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 1970s boom in American wildlife and nature illustration. While a personal or regional artist, West's work follows the tradition of scientific illustrators like Beatrix Potter or John James Audubon, prioritizing anatomical accuracy and gentle anthropomorphism.
Notable Features
Hand-signed with a distinct copyright symbol and stylized signature; dated 1978; fine textured 'linen' style paper which was popular for high-quality botanical prints and drawings of the era.
Condition Issues
Prominent water staining/tide lines at the top center; general yellowing of the paper consistent with age and non-archival matting; possible mild foxing spots.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator to reduce tide lines; replacement of current acidic brown mat with acid-free museum-grade matting; UV-protective glazing to prevent further fading.