Pair of Grey Partridges
Watercolor painting on paper • Mado Stacy (confirmed by lower right signature)
Style & Movement
Wildlife Realism / Sporting Art
Medium & Technique
Watercolor and potentially gouache or fine ink pen; employs wet-on-dry technique for detailed plumage and dry brush for the dead grasses and gnarled branch
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1970-1990)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches (image), 18 x 16 inches (framed); Portrait format
Subject Description
A pair of grey partridges (Perdix perdix) standing in a winter or late autumn setting beside stylized dry stalks and a leafless branch. The composition uses a minimalist vignette style, emphasizing the naturalistic form and muted orange and grey tones of the birds against a neutral background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the artwork itself appears stable but the surrounding materials show age
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a gallery specializing in wildlife or sporting art; private collection
Art Historical Significance
Mado Stacy is a recognized wildlife artist known for delicate, botanically accurate watercolors. This piece is representative of the high-quality illustrative style popular in 20th-century sporting circles and natural history illustration.
Notable Features
Features a clear 'Mado Stacy' signature in the lower right; the triple-layered matting (green, white, red) is characteristic of traditional sporting art framing styles from the late 20th century
Condition Issues
Visible debris and dust accumulation under the glass and on the matting; possible light acid burning from non-archival matting; glass appears slightly soiled
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning of the glass; replacement of the current green mat with acid-free museum-grade matting to prevent future foxing; use of UV-protective glass if displayed in a bright room
Collector Notes
Mado Stacy