Leopard At Play, by Walter Addison, Amer., (1914-1982)

Pen and Ink Drawing, with wash over Brown Conte Crayon, 1940, 6 x 8-1/2 on a sheet 8-3/8 x 10-7/8, toned within old mat opening with a few tiny spots of foxing, a tiny paper loss left of head, signed in ink, dated 40 in crayon. Walter Addision was an accomplished illustrator early in his career, but excelled at drawing, painting and sculpting animals, in a clean lyrical deco style. He was employed by the Bronx Zoo,  where he made hundreds of drawings and watercolors of the exotic animals and painted murals for the various exhibits and habitats. For many years he designed much admired window displays for major New York City department stores. He later moved his family to Washington CT, converting a blacksmith's shop to his home and studio. He was active late in life exhibiting at the Washington Art Association there, where he was a member. His drawings of animals are quite masterful, and were published in books and periodicals.