Sitting Leopard at Night (Observation)
Painting on canvas • Indeterminate Realistic Wildlife Artist; style is consistent with professional naturalist painters such as David Shepherd or Kim Donaldson, but likely a contemporary regional specialist in African wildlife.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Wildlife Realism (Naturalism)
Medium & Technique
Oil or high-grade acrylic on canvas, utilizing fine-tipped brushwork for fur texture and soft grading for the atmospheric background glow.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 20 inches (60 x 50 cm), Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A leopard (Panthera pardus) is depicted in a three-quarter seated pose atop a lichen-covered rock. The composition uses a dark, monochromatic background to emphasize the animal's coat. The lighting suggests moonlight or a spotlight, a common trope in nocturnal wildlife art used to highlight the texture of the fur and the anatomy of the animal.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the paint film appear stable and the colors remain vibrant with no visible surface cracking or mechanical damage.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $2,500 USD (subject to artist identification)
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,500 USD
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist; single-owner private collection history.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of the late 20th-century boom in wildlife art, where technical precision and anatomical accuracy are prioritized to foster conservation awareness and appreciation for African megafauna.
Notable Features
High level of detail in the vibrissae (whiskers) and the rendering of the leopard's rosettes; effective use of contrast between the sharp foreground subject and the soft-focus background.
Condition Issues
None visible in provided imagery; light surface dust may be present.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment with UV-filtered glazing if framed; avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of darker pigments.
Collector Notes
Purchased from artist