Boy Feeding a Leopard
Decorative mid-century print on composite board • Unidentified commercial artist; possibly in the style of mid-century illustrators or Turnley Walker
Style & Movement
Mid-century Modern / Illustrative Primitivism
Medium & Technique
Mechanical lithograph or screen print with flat color application and stylized line work
Creation Period
Circa 1940s-1960s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches, portrait orientation
Subject Description
A stylized, seated indigenous boy in a red cap and loincloth offering a bowl to a large spotted leopard or jaguar. The scene is framed by decorative floral sprigs against a solid dark brown background, emphasizing a harmony between man and nature.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible surface abrasions and significant frame wear
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50
Provenance History
Likely a mass-produced decorative item sold in department stores or home furnishing shops during the mid-20th century.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-century 'exotic' interior decor, reflecting the Western fascination with idealized, tropical motifs frequently found in American and European homes post-WWII.
Notable Features
The piece preserves its original mid-century period frame and exhibits a distinctive graphic style characteristic of the era's commercial illustration.
Condition Issues
Scuff marks on the print surface, loss of paint on interest corners of the dark wood frame, and general dust accumulation.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning of the surface with a dry microfiber cloth and re-framing or touch-up of the existing wooden frame to improve aesthetic value.