Kitten and Dragonfly
Work on paper, likely an offset lithograph or original drawing • Bill Neal
Style & Movement
Contemporary Illustrative Realism / Wildlife Art
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink with color wash (watercolor or colored pencil) on textured paper
Creation Period
1975
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8x10 inches (total sheet size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A close-up depiction of a tabby kitten peering over a fallen log. The scene includes tall grass in the background, a small mushroom to the right, and a dragonfly in the foreground. The composition is intimate and nature-focused.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good: The image itself is clear, but there is visible light staining or foxing in the lower right corner.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a commercial gallery or art print shop in the mid-to-late 1970s; currently in a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-20th-century commercial wildlife illustration, reflecting the popular demand for sentimental animal subjects in domestic interiors.
Notable Features
Includes a visible copyright symbol and signature by the artist, Bill Neal, dated 1975. Fine cross-hatching technique used for the kitten's fur.
Condition Issues
Visible moisture staining or foxing in the bottom right corner of the paper; minor discoloration consistent with age; matting shows slight wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend re-matting with acid-free, archival materials and replacing current glass with UV-protective glazing to prevent further discoloration.