Grazing Sheep (Tuffet)
Painting on panel or canvas board • Elizabeth Rickert (American, Contemporary)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Impressionism / Tonalism
Medium & Technique
Oil on panel featuring wet-on-wet technique, impasto highlights for wool texture, and atmospheric glazing in the background.
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Contemporary)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 5 x 7 inches (sight), 9 x 11 inches (framed); Landscape orientation.
Subject Description
A singular, fluffy sheep (likely a Suffolk or similar dark-faced breed) depicted in a low-light setting. The composition focuses on the voluminous wool, which reflects a spectrum of colors including blue, lavender, and yellow against a dark, moody background. The light source catches the green pasture below.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The paint film is stable and the colors remain vibrant.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a contemporary gallery. The presence of a high-quality, ornate gilt frame (Louis XV style reproduction) suggests a private collection or boutique gallery sale.
Art Historical Significance
Rickert is known for her mastery of light and texture in small-scale pastoral and botanical subjects. This piece is representative of her 'Sheep Series,' which explores the interplay of color in white surfaces and the quiet dignity of farm animals.
Notable Features
Clearly signed 'Elizabeth Rickert' in the lower left in a reddish-brown cursive that blends harmoniously with the grass. The frame is particularly notable for its deep cove and ornate scrollwork, which enhances the 'gem-like' quality of the small painting.
Condition Issues
None visible. Surface appears clean with no evidence of cracking, flaking, or varnish yellowing.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a climate-controlled environment away from direct UV light. Periodic dusting of the ornate gilt frame with a soft brush is recommended.