Grey Partridges in the Grass
Print on paper, likely a limited edition offset lithograph or giclée • Attributed to or after a sporting artist in the style of Archibald Thorburn or Martin Knowelden
Style & Movement
Naturalism / Sporting Art / Wildlife Illustration
Medium & Technique
Printed reproduction of a watercolor painting; soft washes and fine line work typical of wildlife illustration
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sight); Portrait orientation
Subject Description
A pair of Grey Partridges (Perdix perdix) standing in a winter landscape amidst dried grasses and a bare woody branch. The composition is minimalist with a focus on biological accuracy and soft, muted earth tones.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print appears stable within its matting, though the external mat and frame show signs of wear and debris.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired via a gallery specializing in lithographs or sporting prints. No visible labels on the front.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the British and European tradition of sporting and ornithological art, designed for decorative use in domestic or club settings. It follows the lineage of high-quality field studies aimed at sportsmanship and nature lovers.
Notable Features
Features a faint signature in the lower right (indistinct) and a double-matting aesthetic typical of late 20th-century professional framing.
Condition Issues
Debris and visible spotting on the external black matting; potential light fading (mat burn) along the edges of the inner white mat; frame has minor surface scuffs.
Conservation Recommendations
The piece should be re-matted using acid-free archival materials. The glass should be cleaned or replaced with UV-filtering acrylic to prevent further fading of the pigments.