Young Figure Holding a Rooster
Original drawing or limited edition graphic work (print) on paper • Signed 'Kael' or similar; possibly an independent illustrator or regional artist active in the mid-1980s
Style & Movement
Contemporary Illustrative Realism with influences of Magic Realism and Post-Modern folk art
Medium & Technique
Ink, colored pencil, or lithography with fine hatching and stippling techniques
Creation Period
1985 (as inscribed at the bottom left)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 11 x 14 inches (frame height), portrait orientation
Subject Description
A stylized portrait of a youth in a beanie holding a white rooster against a flat, decorative botanical background of interlocking leaves and berries. The composition uses symmetry and high-contrast tonal values.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the artwork appears well-preserved within its frame, though the glare on the glass prevents a full inspection of the paper surface.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Hand-signed and dated (1985) by the artist; likely acquired through a boutique gallery or directly from the artist during the 1980s.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 1980s trend towards illustrative figurative art that blended traditional draftsmanship with graphic design aesthetics.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature at bottom right; prominent dated inscription (1985); stylized wood-grain frame that complements the organic theme of the piece.
Condition Issues
Potential mild fading of pigments due to UV exposure; slight undulation of the paper visible behind the mat.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace with UV-protective museum glass and acid-free archival matting to prevent future yellowing or pigment loss.