Featured Identifying lion watercolor

This came out of a family estate of one of the big American industrial era fortunes. It was with some prints in a lot but it may be an original. I didn’t look close enough when quickly snapping a couple pics to say for sure. Was more interested in trying to ID it for now. Does anyone recognize the work or signature? Appears to be a $ symbol. Guessing their initials may be SLL?

 

Could also be VS or SV.

 

It is an original. I hope it's framed. It appears to have been sketched and swished with paint on thin newsprint type paper, looks a bit tanned from age. It's a delightful MCM piece, but fragile. I like it very much!

 

I'm pretty sure you don't live on Long Island, Dagger. Where was this estate sale?

 

Yeah I like it too, what size is it ?, I get a children's book illustration feel about it

 

Good point. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see the home. I bought it online auction format.

 

I figured if likely was. Agreed on it being sketched then painted. Paper does look thin and it’s definitely well aged/tan. There was another piece in the lot was very MCM. It’s in a lovely white frame. I’ll try to get a photo of the frame tomorrow for you. It’s a neat one, glad you dig it.

 

It does kinda have that feel. I wondered if it was based on something well known maybe. Size is a good question. I haven’t seen it since I took the photos a while ago. I’ll check though.

 

So around 8”x10” exposed under glass.

 

great presentation IMO.

 

Isn't that interesting. Must have meant something to someone. 1950s from the frame and framer's font, I'd think. Do you know the name of the family?

Debora

 

It belonged to the du Pont family. I wish the signature gave a bit more to go on.

 

The DuPont family is from Delaware. I wonder what the Oyster Bay connection is.

 

Well, there's this DuPont connection. But the Guests bought it in the 1920s and called the house Templeton. That would be a more impressive provenance, I would think, given its association with C.Z.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DuPont-Guest_Estate

Debora

 

Lovely frame, odd combination that works fine together, from my point of view.

I'm getting a "children's book illustration" vibe from seeing it in the frame.
I certainly don't think that's out of the question, it could be an idea sketch, a pre-published illustration. I still like it very much too!

 

Thank you for finding that Debora. My old stomping grounds plus lots of ancient entries in my family tree, but obviously too old in the memory bank to leap to mind.

CZ? What does that mean?

 

C. Z. Guest. Major socialite. One of Truman Capote's swans.

Debora

 

I suspect a little something dashed off by an illustrious friend. Had personal meaning so merited framing. But locally rather than in a major art capital as would be expected of a work of art with a capital A. Quite charming. But almost impossible (I'd think) to identify artist.

Debora

 

I would pay attention to the squiggly lines in his mane and feet area. They may be random but could also be hiding a signature. It's a really nice painting!

 

Interesting thought, could be. Do you see anything you can share? Maybe their name is Lelelele Lelelela. That’s what I see in the feet