Paha Sapa Glory
Limited edition print on paper • Paul Sansale
Style & Movement
American Wildlife Realism; Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Offset lithograph; a mechanical printing technique used to reproduce a wildlife painting, likely originally in oils or acrylics.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1980s-1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Landscape orientation; estimated image size 18 x 24 inches, framed to approximately 26 x 32 inches.
Subject Description
The scene depicts three wild turkeys in a rugged mountainous landscape, specifically the Black Hills of South Dakota (denoted by the title 'Paha Sapa', the Lakota name for the Black Hills). The central figure is a male turkey (tom) in full strut, displaying tail feathers, flanked by two hens in a coniferous forest setting with mountains in the background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; appears to be in its original frame with marbleized green matting. There is slight visible rippling of the paper and possible minor fading due to light exposure.
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 - $150.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$40.00 - $100.00 USD
Provenance History
This print is part of a numbered series (indicated as 1559/2100). The margin text indicates it was produced in collaboration with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) for conservation fundraising. It was likely purchased at an NWTF banquet or auction.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century boom in American wildlife conservation prints. Such works were critical in funding habitat restoration programs and occupy a specific niche in regional Americana and sporting culture rather than fine art museum canons.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in the lower right margin; hand-numbered 1559/2100 in the lower left; includes a printed dedication to the NWTF for wild turkey restoration and sporting stewardship.
Condition Issues
Minor cockling (waving) of the paper substrate; potential UV damage/fading if displayed in direct sunlight; standard frame wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the print is mounted using acid-free archival materials. Use UV-protective glass to prevent further pigment degradation. Keep in a climate-controlled environment with stable humidity to reduce paper rippling.