Winter Forest Painting Appraisal

Painting of European Bison (Żubry) in a Winter Forest Scene

This item is a framed oil or acrylic painting depicting a herd of European bison, also known as Żubry, within a snow-covered forest landscape. The painting is rendered in a naturalistic style with visible brushstrokes, particularly noticeable in the snow and the textured coats of the bison. The color palette is dominated by cool blues and whites for the snowy environment and forest background, contrasting with the rich browns and darker tones of the bison. The foreground features two prominent bison, one walking towards the viewer from the left and another standing to the right, both exhibiting detailed fur and powerful physiques. A larger herd of bison is visible in the middle ground, traversing the snowy terrain, while the background shows a dense forest of snow-laden trees, creating a sense of depth. In the lower left, there is a distinct inscription that appears to read in Polish, 'Żubry w Puszczy Białowieskiej' (Bison in Białowieża Forest), suggesting the specific location depicted. A legible signature, possibly 'Zygmunt' or a similar Polish name, is present in the lower right corner. The painting is housed in an elaborately carved, ornate gold-colored frame, likely made of wood or a composite material with a gesso and gilding finish. The frame features floral and scroll motifs at the corners and along its inner and outer edges, indicative of a Rococo revival or late 19th/early 20th-century decorative style. The frame shows minor signs of wear consistent with age, such as small nicks or slight tarnishing, but appears to be in good overall condition. The overall presentation suggests a piece created with attention to detail and traditional artistic techniques, likely dating from the mid-20th century or slightly earlier based on its style and subject matter.