Lioness and Cub in Savanna
Painting on stretched canvas • Unidentified amateur or hobbyist artist; signed in the lower right corner (partially illegible, possibly 'Dave' followed by a surname)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Wildlife Realism with decorative and kitsch influences
Medium & Technique
Acrylic or fast-drying oil on canvas, utilizing soft blending, wet-on-wet technique for the background, and fine-brush detailing for the coats and whiskers. Chiaroscuro is used to suggest the light source from the upper right.
Creation Period
Late 20th to Early 21st Century (Circa 1990-2010)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 20 x 24 inches (50 x 60 cm); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A maternal scene featuring a profile view of a lioness and her cub nestled among green foliage with small red berries. The composition focuses on the bond between parent and offspring, using a soft, atmospheric background to emphasize the predators.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the canvas tension appears stable, though there are visible surface abrasions and minor paint loss near the right-center edge.
Estimated Market Value
USD 50 - USD 150
Auction Estimate
USD 30 - USD 80
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a local art fair, gift, or secondary boutique market; no formal gallery labels or stamps are visible on the face.
Art Historical Significance
Low; the piece is a decorative work of personal or local interest rather than a significant contribution to the wildlife art canon. It reflects the popularization of animal portraiture in 20th-century home decor.
Notable Features
Soft-focus 'halo' lighting effect around the lioness; distinctive red berry accents in the foreground which contrast with the earth tones of the animals.
Condition Issues
Minor surface scuffing on the right side of the canvas, potential light saturation of dust in the paint texture, and lack of a protective frame which exposes the edges to wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning by a professional to remove dust; professional framing with a spacer to protect the edges; display away from direct sunlight to prevent pigment fading.