Simply put, David Shepherd was best known for his remarkable paintings of endangered wildlife and was one of the worlds leading exponents of the craft. Though he became famous in the UK for his iconic paintings of steam trains, he also was a gifted painter of portraits, landscapes, aviation and military subjects.

 'Wise Old Elephant' first published by Solomon and Whitehead in 1962, became a huge success as a limited edition print and marks perhaps what is his best known subject. For his tireless devotion to international conservation and animal welfare work, he is highly decorated and rightly honoured.

 It is important as well as useful to understand fully the generally observed and accepted semantics used in auction descriptions, (set out further down this page) This defines exactly what the expert view of the work offered is, and it also can drastically alter the financial outcome.

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 We are able to assist and advise you in all fine art related matters, particularly issues relating to the investigation of the legitimacy and attributions of International and European fine art, including the works of David Shepherd, his circle and any other work of art that you need assistance or advice with.

Some examples associated with his name appear below simply as comparative illustrations.

*No inference is made, nor is it intended as to the question of their legitimacy here. Moreover they are an across the board, representational view of the differing types of works of art that have, are, or may in the future be offered and advertised for sale at auction internationally in the public domain that you may need specialist advise on.

* ABOUT A WORK OF ARTS DESCRIPTOR AND ITS TERMINOLOGY *

As if in this case as if they were defining the works of the artist;  

David Shepherd (1931 - 2017)

  *It is very important to clearly understand the general auction terms that are widely used in a published descriptor and to be cautious of works that may just be created in the 'manner of' the artist, or those which could be variants of the artists works of art that 'bear an applied signature' or monogram.

•  Where the name, David Shepherd (1931 - 2017) is given with the first name/s and surname of the artist, usually cited as, David Shepherd . including the dates to be specific, then in their qualified and professional opinion, they are in no doubt, it is a genuine and authentic item and one painted by that specific artist. This is usually fully qualified by its inclusion in any catalogue raissone, or by the guarantee of the opinion given by appropriate and internationally recognized expert authority on that artist.

•  When David Shepherd (1931 - 2017) is the term used, or it is similarly defined as Attrib. to ' [abbreviated,] or Attribue, or ascribed to, then in their opinion it is 'probably' a work by the artist, at least in part. But... there is no guarantee. It is only an opinion that it 'possibly' may be by the artist.

•  But if the term David Shepherd (1931 - 2017) - circle of, entourage, or “Circle of ” David Shepherd . is specifically used, then in their opinion, it is a work only of the period of the artist, but showing their influence. Or by someone closely associated with the artist, BUT not necessarily by their pupil or student.

•  When the name is given thus; Painted in the “Style of or “Follower of David Shepherd (1931 - 2017) is used, this means that in their opinion it is a work of art executed only in the artist’s way, in their 'style', but not necessarily by a pupil. Yet it may be a contemporary, or nearly a contemporary of the artist.

•  If the phrase in the “Manner of David Shepherd is used or is defined….” then in their opinion it is also only a work painted in the style of the artist, but of a later date and definitely not by the artist as named.

•  When the term “After…. "; is the term used, then in their opinion it is a copy (made at any date) of an authentic and original work by the artist. This also applies to prints made 'after' an original work of art either by the artist or another artist/ printmaker.

•  Signed - David Shepherd; “Dated….” or “Inscribed ” Then in their opinion the work has been signed/dated/or inscribed by that specific artist. The addition of a question mark ? however, indicates a strong element of doubt.

•  When the term 'Bears signature', or monogram is used, or the name, David Shepherd is specified followed by the words; "With signature ….”, or “With date ….” or “With ......inscription….” or “Bears signature of David Shepherd / date / or inscription” Then in 'their opinion,' either the signature / date / or inscription is spurious, forged or has been added by someone else other than the artist.
  

We can assist and advise you in all fine art related matters.