The King and Queen of the Desert (Lions)
Chromolithographic print / Vintage offset lithograph on paper • In the manner of Wilhelm Kuhnert or Carl Rungius; likely a commercial reproduction from a prolific wildlife illustrator of the early 20th century.
Style & Movement
Naturalism / Golden Age of Illustration. This style blends traditional animalier subjects with a dramatic, atmospheric illustrative quality popular in mid-century home decor.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography/commercial printing under glass with a dark wood period frame. The technique mimics oil paint with a flattened, illustrative aesthetic characteristic of early 20th-century mass-produced art.
Creation Period
Circa 1910-1940
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 24 inches (landscape orientation). Included in a classical dark-stained wood frame with decorative milling.
Subject Description
The composition features a male lion and a lioness walking in profile along a rocky, sunlit ridge. The background is a dramatic, brooding sky with high-contrast yellow light. The lions symbolize strength, partnership, and the majesty of the wild.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The print appears stable within the frame, though there is visible glinting on the glass and the paper may show age-related yellowing or acid burn from original cardboard backing.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely a domestic decorative object passed down through a family. No visible gallery labels; typical of pieces sold in department stores or frame shops in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the democratization of art through industrial printing processes. It reflects the early 20th-century fascination with exotic wildlife and the African safari, which influenced Western interior design 'National Geographic' aesthetics.
Notable Features
The dramatic lighting 'rim-lighting' on the lions' manes and backs is a classic illustrative technique designed to make the subjects pop against a dark, stormy sky.
Condition Issues
Minor separation of the frame miter in the top right corner. Potential acid migration from the backing and fading due to UV exposure over time. Scuffs visible on the wooden frame edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from original acidic backing and replace with archival foam core and acid-free matting. Replace standard glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent further fading. Tighten and secure frame corners.