Mourning Doves on Oak Branch
Limited edition print on paper • Gene Murray (American wildlife artist)
Style & Movement
Naturalism / Wildlife Illustration
Medium & Technique
Lithograph or offset lithograph after an original pen and ink drawing with watercolor or colored pencil washes; utilizes cross-hatching and stippling for texture
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches (framed); Portrait format
Subject Description
Two Mourning Doves perched on an oak tree branch with acorns and autumn leaves; a realistic study focused on anatomical accuracy and naturalistic textures
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; visible light reflections on glass suggest standard glazing, paper appears bright with minimal foxing
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a gallery or wildlife federation sale; hand-numbered 164/300 and pencil-signed by the artist
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-to-late 20th-century American wildlife art movement, which prioritized conservation and the realistic depiction of regional fauna for a mass market
Notable Features
Double signature (one in-plate and one hand-signed in pencil); limited edition numbering 164/300 indicates a relatively small production run for this specific plate
Condition Issues
Possible minor acid burn from non-archival matting; slight UV fading of the colored pigments if displayed in direct sunlight
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the current mat with acid-free museum-grade matting and installing UV-protective glass to prevent further pigment fading