This striking mid-century wildlife painting captures the powerful presence of a male lion peering through tall savanna grasses. Rendered in a warm, monochromatic palette dominated by rich amber, ochre, sienna, and deep chocolate brown tones, the composition focuses closely on the lion's detailed face and dense, flowing mane. The animal's intense expression is highlighted by soft, diffused lighting in the background, which creates a dramatic, atmospheric glow behind the head. Fluid, gestural brushstrokes define the texture of the surrounding dry grass in the foreground, blending seamlessly into the warm ambiance of the scene.

The work features an accomplished handle on classical realism and animal anatomy. As shown in file y2_2.jpg, the lower right quadrant bears the artist's stylized signature reading "R. Wagner" in fluid, white paint. File y1_2.jpg showcases the full view of the canvas housed within its vintage frame, while file y3_2.jpg displays the reverse side of the piece, showing the canvas stretched over a traditional wooden stretcher bar system, secured with staples, and wired for hanging. The composition is elegantly presented with a textured linen liner and an inner gold fillet, all enclosed in a gilded wood frame with a faux-bamboo motif.

Specifications

• Medium: Oil on Canvas

• Signature/Markings: Signed "R. Wagner" lower right

• Dimensions: 24 x 28 inches

• Condition: Very good vintage condition. The oil pigments on canvas remain stable and well-preserved with no signs of flaking, paint loss, or cracking. A few minor, localized surface scuffs or specks are visible on the right side of the canvas background but do not distract from the central image. The vintage linen liner shows some age-related discoloration and spotting, while the faux-bamboo gilt frame is structurally sound with minor edge wear.

• Framing: Stretched canvas housed in a gilded faux-bamboo wood frame with a linen liner

R Wagner painter oil on canvas lion portrait wildlife art African safari big cat male lion majestic animal savanna grasses mid-century fine art realistic animalier painting decorative framed.