2022 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 52277 / 321  •  View Catalog  •   • 

52
David Shepherd (1931 – 2017)
Elephants in the Bush (1981)
oil on canvas
34 × 66 inches
signed and dated lower right

VERSO
Signed and dated

The artist wrote, “It was on my very first visit to Kenya in 1949 and my abortive attempt to become a game warden that I saw my very first elephants in the wild. The initial impression, and one that has gained strength over the years as I have seen more and more of these magnificent animals in their natural environment, is of one’s own complete insignificance. If armed with a gun, man is powerful, but alone, unarmed, he is nothing. The lion has been termed ‘The King of the Beasts’ and, impressive though he can be, I really cannot quite understand why!

“The elephant is a gentle giant. The warden, who showed me my very first elephant, said ‘If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.’ Man is the elephant’s only enemy. I can never think of elephants as dangerous. Why should I? They are only dangerous when man has given them reason to be.”

PROVENANCE
Ted and Sue Dalzell, Santa Barbara, California

52

David Shepherd

1931 – 2017

Elephants in the Bush (1981)
oil on canvas
34 × 66 inches
signed and dated lower right
Sold at Auction: $102,850
Condition ReportSurface is in excellent condition. No signs of restoration.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.