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An Authentic Pencil-Signed 1920s Art Deco Offering for the Discerning Collector
We are exceptionally pleased to present an authentic, premium antique 1920s lithograph print of the iconic masterwork “The Lone Wolf” by the celebrated painter Alfred von Kowalski. This classic piece of wilderness illustration art was published and printed in New York by the prominent early 20th-century art house Morris & Bendien. Distinguishing this specific specimen from standard vintage editions, this rare piece is hand-signed and hand-titled in pencil directly along the lower margin by the distributor, denoting a premium salon or publisher-proof run intended for higher-end gallery distribution.
The Artistry and Presentation
“The Lone Wolf” stands as one of the most culturally enduring images of American and European rustic art, beautifully capturing a solitary wolf standing atop a snow-covered ridge under an atmospheric, twilight sky looking down toward a moonlit cluster of snow-covered cabins. This print features the premium, period-correct “tipped-in” or layered format preferred by fine publishers of the era. The color lithograph artwork sheet (12” x 8”) is carefully affixed at its top edge to its original, heavier cream-colored matte paper backing board (14” x 10”), which proudly showcases the hand-written pencil signature and script title. It is an exceptionally atmospheric work that provides the perfect rustic focus for a lodge, cabin, or traditional mid-century antique collection.
Provenance and Print Details
- Artist: Alfred von Kowalski
- Title of Work: “The Lone Wolf”
- Publisher: Morris & Bendien, New York
- Era: Circa 1920s (Art Deco / Antique Illustration)
- Medium: Antique Lithograph Print on Tipped-In Mounting Board
- Autograph: Hand-signed and hand-titled in graphite pencil (lower margin)
- Markings: Copyright stamp on lower image left
- Framing: Unframed, presenting full original dual-sheet format
- Backing Dimensions: 14 inches by 10 inches
- Image Sheet Dimensions: 12 inches by 8 inches
Condition Report
This true antique piece is offered in Good to Very Good condition given its century-old vintage status. The lithographic image sheet itself remains clean, with deep blue tones, crisp stippling, and remarkably vibrant color preservation showing only minimal handling wear. The original cream-colored backing sheet exhibits a localized, historic amber water stain in the upper-right corner area. As showcased in the provided details, this blemish is primarily confined to the backing border and has not compromised the core image field of the wolf, nor does it approach the clean graphite signature area at the bottom. This edge stain can be effortlessly hidden from view when the piece is professionally matted and framed behind glass. The reverse backing has uniform age-toning. Please consult the high-resolution close-up photographs to fully evaluate this rare antique specimen.
