Aerial Dogfight Art Appraisal

Framed WWI Aerial Dogfight Illustration by Alfred Owles

This is a framed watercolor or gouache aviation illustration by renowned artist Alfred Owles, dated 1950. The piece depicts a World War I aerial dogfight between an Allied SPAD S.XIII biplane and a German Fokker Dr.I triplane. The SPAD, prominently featured in the foreground, displays the number '10' and traditional American 'roundel' star insignia of the era, along with a tri-color rudder. The artwork is characterized by high technical detail in the aircraft rigging and camouflage patterns. It is signed 'ALFRED OWLES' and dated '1950' in the lower right corner. The painting is professionally matted with a dual green-toned mat and housed in a classic polished wood frame. The condition appears to be excellent with no visible foxing, fading, or moisture damage to the paper. The colors remain vibrant, demonstrating the artist’s mastery of light and atmospheric perspective in the clouded sky background. The level of historical accuracy and the quality of the brushwork suggest it was created by an experienced aviation illustrator during the mid-20th century.