estateRUTH.

Identification

S. Radovich Signed Gouache Painting of a Snowy Owl

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

The artwork is an original painting, confirmed by the visible brushstrokes and matte, opaque texture characteristic of gouache or tempera seen in the close-up. The signature 'S. RADOVICH' is clearly legible in the lower right.

Story

The artwork is signed 'S. RADOVICH', stylistically aligning with mid-20th-century wildlife illustration. Market comparables suggest a strong link to Don Radovich (b. 1932), a known wildlife artist working in tempera and gouache, indicating the signature may be a variant, a relative, or a misread of his name. No specific exhibition or gallery history is currently documented. The market for mid-century wildlife illustration has a dedicated niche following, often overlapping with sporting art and mid-century modern decor.

Maker / Origin

S. Radovich

Condition & Value

The visible image shows a well-executed gouache or tempera painting with strong, unfaded colors. There is a visual indication of potential cracking in the thickly applied white paint on the owl's plumage, which is a common aging characteristic for this medium.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for mid-century wildlife illustration has a dedicated niche following, often overlapping with sporting art and mid-century modern decor. Original gouache and tempera works are appreciated for their matte finish and graphic quality. However, works by regional or lesser-known illustrators often struggle to find premium prices at general auction, performing better in optimized retail settings or specialized sales.

Value Drivers

▲ Original gouache/tempera medium with highly decorative mid-century graphic appeal.

▲ Popular wildlife subject matter (snowy owl) carries cross-over appeal for nature and decor buyers.

▲ Clear, legible signature linking the work to a known tier of mid-century illustration.

Concerns

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the piece is smaller than standard display sizes (e. g., under 8x10 inches), value drops significantly.

▼ Unverified paint stability — active flaking in the thick white gouache would require restoration, discounting the price.

▼ Lack of verso evidence — missing gallery labels or dates prevents firmer attribution and dating.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy to maximize visibility to mid-century decor and wildlife art buyers. Ensure accurate dimensions and clear photos of the signature and the back of the frame are included. A fixed-price listing around $150-$200 with 'Best Offer' enabled is recommended to test the retail market, rather than risking a low-clearing no-reserve auction.

Upside Potential

If the artwork is confirmed to be a large-format piece (e. g., over 18x24 inches) in pristine condition, or if verso labels explicitly link it to a notable mid-century illustration commission, the value could push toward the $300-$400 retail asking range observed in the upper-tier comps.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 8 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Deutscher and Hackett· 2008-08-27
    SNOWY OWL 7, 2002
    Different artist (David Noonan).
    $3,120
  • Arader Galleries· 2025-04-05
    Barry Driscoll Pair of Snowy Owl Chromolithographs
    Prints by a different artist.
    $1,200
  • Tennants Auctioneers· 2014-11-01
    Ralph Waterhouse (b.1943) Study of a snowy owl
    Different artist (Ralph Waterhouse).
    $250
  • Kaptain Kirk's Auction & Appraisals· 2009-08-29
    DON RADOVICH SIGNED NUMBERED PRINT "MALLARDS" EST
    Print, not an original painting.
    $50
  • eBay
    Great Horned Owl Print by Don Radovich SIGNED 229/500 - 16 X 20
    Print, not an original painting.
    $32
  • Proxibid· 2009-08-29
    DON RADOVICH SIGNED NUMBERED PRINT "MALLARDS" EST
    Print, not an original painting.
    $25
  • LOT-ART
    S. Radovich. Oil/Canvas, Abstract
    Abstract oil painting, completely different style and subject matter.
    No price
  • Malda Bates Estate Sales· 2019-01-25
    Pair of Don Radovich original bird watercolors and signed print
    Sale on record but hammer price not published.
    No price