John A Ruthven Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1924 - d. 2020

Outdoorsman John Ruthven was born in Cincinnati, and his later paintings were inspired by the walks he would take on his property in Georgetown. After serving in the U.S. Navy during WW II, he attended the Cincinnati Art Academy. In 1960, a series of John Ruthven prints became part of the Federal Duck Stamp collection. His detailed images of colorful wildlife became his signature, along with the realism of the landscapes that surrounded them.

He was elected in 1966 to the prestigious Society of Animal Artists of New York City. You can find many prints of John Ruthven's drawings online, including images of tigers, buffalo, waterfowl, and portraits of Native Americans. The most popular among John Ruthven's artwork for sale, and those that garnered him the most acclaim, are of North American waterfowl. Browse more remarkable animal prints for sale online at Invaluable to find your next wildlife treasure.

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  • JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)
    Aug. 28, 2026

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)

    Est: $300 - $500

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 - ) "Great Horn Owl, Americana Series", lithograph published by Wildlife Internationale, Georgetown, Ohio; pencil signed and numbered 967/1000, also numbered on folio label, loose in original cardboard folio includes tea dipped factsheet and order form. Prints are clean and bright.

    Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
  • JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)
    Aug. 28, 2026

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)

    Est: $300 - $500

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 - ) "Great Horn Owl, Americana Series", lithograph published by Wildlife Internationale, Georgetown, Ohio; pencil signed and numbered 964/1000, also numbered on folio label, loose in original cardboard folio includes tea dipped factsheet and order form. Prints are clean and bright.

    Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
  • JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)
    Aug. 28, 2026

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)

    Est: $600 - $800

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 - ) "Passenger Pigeon", hand colored engraving after the original watercolor, pencil signed, numbered 483/500, engraved by Morgan, printed by Anderson-Lamb, published by Wildlife Internationale, Georgetown, Ohio, 1973. In gold ogee frame, matted under glass.

    Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
  • JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)
    Aug. 28, 2026

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)

    Est: $300 - $500

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 - ) "Carolina Paraquets", hand colored engraving after the original watercolor, pencil signed, numbered 423/500, engraved by Morgan, printed by Anderson-Lamb, published by Wildlife Internationale, Georgetown, Ohio, 1972. In gold ogee frame, matted under glass.

    Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
  • JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)
    Aug. 28, 2026

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 -)

    Est: $300 - $500

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (NY, 1924 - ) "Herring Gulls", handcolored litho, pencil signed and numbered 964/1000, in black and silver molded frame, matted under glass.

    Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
  • John Ruthven (American, 1924-2020) Graphite Sketch
    Jun. 03, 2026

    John Ruthven (American, 1924-2020) Graphite Sketch

    Est: $400 - $600

    A signed graphite sketch depicting seals in the wintertime on a river with homestead and windmill in backyard. Signed lower right by the artist; Sight size: 22" ht. x 28.5" wd., framed size: 32" ht. x 38" wd.

    Caza Sikes
  • John Ruthven (American, 1924-2020) Graphite Sketch
    Jun. 03, 2026

    John Ruthven (American, 1924-2020) Graphite Sketch

    Est: $500 - $700

    John Ruthven graphite drawing of an alligator amidst foliage, signed lower right by the artist. Sight size:

    Caza Sikes
  • John A. Ruthven Fox Masque II Pencil Signed Lithograph Print
    Apr. 24, 2026

    John A. Ruthven Fox Masque II Pencil Signed Lithograph Print

    Est: $100 - $10,000

    Mid 20th Century; Original, frame 12.75” x 12.5”, pencil signed lower right, numbered 484/1000 lower left, lithograph on paper depicting one of his fox mask series, pencil signed and hand numbered “484/1000” professionally framed and double matted, displayed under glass, appears to have some light discoloration on right bottom corner, otherwise appears to be in excellent condition, please see photos.

    Mebane Antique Auction
  • John A Ruthven (AM 1924-2020) Red Headed woodpecker
    Apr. 24, 2026

    John A Ruthven (AM 1924-2020) Red Headed woodpecker

    Est: $200 - $400

    John A Ruthven (American 1924-2020) Red Headed Woodpecker lithograph on paper signed and editioned lower right- 836/1000 - plate 21 x 15" 32 x 26 x 1" as framed. Ruthven was a naturalist, author, lecturer, and internationally acknowledged master of wildlife art. Celebrated as the “20th-Century Audubon,” John Ruthven is recognized as one of America’s most distinguished wildlife artists. His work, meticulously detailed and rooted in scientific accuracy, has been exhibited in museums, corporate headquarters, and private collections around the world. He rose to national prominence in 1960 after winning the prestigious Federal Duck Stamp competition, and in 2004, became the first wildlife artist to receive the National Medal of Arts, the nation’s highest honor for artistic achievement. He was also awarded the Eloise Payne Luquer Medal and received seven honorary doctorates for his impact on both the arts and sciences. Ruthven’s original paintings have hung in the White House and earned praise from five U.S. Presidents. His iconic creations include the original “Play-Doh Boy” and design work for institutions such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami University, and John Deere.

    Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
  • John Ruthven Lithograph "Ruddy Ducks"
    Mar. 28, 2026

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Ruddy Ducks"

    Est: $75 - $100

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Ruddy Ducks": Matted, unframed and measuring 27.25 x 21.5". Numbered 477/1000.

    Dana J. Tharp Auctions
  • John Ruthven Lithograph "Wood Ducks"
    Mar. 28, 2026

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Wood Ducks"

    Est: $75 - $100

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Wood Ducks": Signed and numbered 222/1000, heavy toning measuring 34.5 x 28".

    Dana J. Tharp Auctions
  • (2) John Ruthven Signed Lithographs Cardinals, Cardinals III
    Mar. 28, 2026

    (2) John Ruthven Signed Lithographs Cardinals, Cardinals III

    Est: $100 - $200

    (2) John Ruthven Signed Lithographs Cardinals, Cardinals III: Both matted and measuring 20 x 16". Cardinals numbered 324/1000, and Cardinals III numbered 300/1000.

    Dana J. Tharp Auctions
  • John A. Ruthven " Meadowlark" Limited Edition Signed Print
    Dec. 13, 2025

    John A. Ruthven " Meadowlark" Limited Edition Signed Print

    Est: $40 - $200

    John A. Ruthven (1924–2020, Cincinnati, Ohio) lithograph titled Meadowlark, from the Patriot Series, Plate III. Signed in pencil lower right and numbered 1517/3000 lower left (as shown). A finely detailed wildlife study depicting a perched meadowlark among grasses and thistle, rendered in Ruthven’s naturalist, Audubon-influenced style. Includes original gallery certification materials. Sheet size- 18 1/2 x 13 5/8 Frame- 26 x 21 1/2

    Main Auction Galleries
  • Pair of John Ruthven "Shawnee Indian" and "Moonlight Watch" Proofs
    Dec. 09, 2025

    Pair of John Ruthven "Shawnee Indian" and "Moonlight Watch" Proofs

    Est: $300 - $500

    A pair of offset lithographs, each inscribed and cited as an artist proof, and well framed. Each 32" x 27" (framed).

    Caza Sikes
  • John Ruthven Lithograph "Ruddy Ducks"
    Dec. 06, 2025

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Ruddy Ducks"

    Est: $75 - $100

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Ruddy Ducks": Matted, unframed and measuring 27.25 x 21.5". Numbered 477/1000

    Dana J. Tharp Auctions
  • John Ruthven Lithograph "Wood Ducks"
    Dec. 06, 2025

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Wood Ducks"

    Est: $75 - $100

    John Ruthven Lithograph "Wood Ducks": Signed and numbered 222/1000, heavy toning measuring 34.5 x 28".

    Dana J. Tharp Auctions
  • (2) John Ruthven Signed Lithographs Cardinals, Cardinals III
    Dec. 06, 2025

    (2) John Ruthven Signed Lithographs Cardinals, Cardinals III

    Est: $100 - $200

    (2) John Ruthven Signed Lithographs Cardinals, Cardinals III: Both matted and measuring 20 x 16". Cardinals numbered 324/1000, and Cardinals III numbered 300/1000.

    Dana J. Tharp Auctions
  • John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf
    Oct. 09, 2025

    John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf

    Est: $50 - $100

    John A. Ruthven, American born 1924, Signed and Numbered 215/720 Lithograph of Timber Wolf, Framed. Framed measures 41 inches x 32 inches.

    Greenwich Auction
  • John Ruthven "Bengal Tiger" Lithograph
    Oct. 05, 2025

    John Ruthven "Bengal Tiger" Lithograph

    Est: $60 - $200

    Lithograph on paper "Bengal Tiger" by John Ruthven (1924-2020) (Cincinnati, Ohio). Commissioned by the Cincinnati Bengals. Signed lower left and numbered 294-1500. Certificate of registration to verso. Sight- 12 x 9 Frame - 19 x 16

    Main Auction Galleries
  • John Ruthven "Bateleur" Lithograph
    Oct. 05, 2025

    John Ruthven "Bateleur" Lithograph

    Est: $60 - $200

    Lithograph on paper "Bateleur" by John Ruthven (1924-2020) (Cincinnati, Ohio). Hand signed in pencil lower right and housed in wood frame. Sight- 29 x 22 Frame - 38 x 31

    Main Auction Galleries
  • John Ruthven "The Guardian" Lithograph
    Oct. 05, 2025

    John Ruthven "The Guardian" Lithograph

    Est: $40 - $200

    Lithograph on paper "The Guardian" by John Ruthven (1924-2020) (Ohio). Signed bottom left and titled lower middle margin and numbered 201/250 bottom right. Sight- 23 x 17 Frame- 31 x 25 1/4

    Main Auction Galleries
  • John Ruthven "Winter Reflection" Lithograph
    Oct. 05, 2025

    John Ruthven "Winter Reflection" Lithograph

    Est: $40 - $200

    Lithograph on paper "Winter Reflection" by John Ruthven (1924-2020) (Ohio). Sighted bottom right and titled lower middle margin and numbered 89/500 bottom left. Sight- 29 3/4 x 20 Frame - 41 x 30

    Main Auction Galleries
  • JOHN RUTHVEN (OHIO, 1924-2020) "BALD EAGLE" LIMITED EDITION PRINT.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    JOHN RUTHVEN (OHIO, 1924-2020) "BALD EAGLE" LIMITED EDITION PRINT.

    Est: $100 - $200

    JOHN RUTHVEN (OHIO, 1924-2020) "BALD EAGLE" LIMITED EDITION PRINT. John Ruthven (Ohio, 1924-2020). Limited edition print. Depicting a bald eagle flying in front of a nest with two eaglets. Signed on plate and lower left in margin in pencil. Titled on plate: Bald Eagle and numbered in pencil, lower right margin: 216/500. Sight, 23"h. 18.5"w. Framed, 31.25"h. 26.75"w. Provenance: From the Lifetime Collection of Monsignor David Funk.

    Amelia Jeffers
  • John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf
    Aug. 07, 2025

    John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf

    Est: $50 - $100

    John A. Ruthven, American born 1924, Signed and Numbered 215/720 Lithograph of Timber Wolf, Framed. Framed measures 41 inches x 32 inches.

    Greenwich Auction
  • John A. Ruthven (American 1924-2020), "Bengal Tiger," Lithograph in Color, Signed c.r. and Numbered 3513/5000, Frame: 38 1/2 x 30 in. (97.8 x 76.2 cm.)
    Aug. 05, 2025

    John A. Ruthven (American 1924-2020), "Bengal Tiger," Lithograph in Color, Signed c.r. and Numbered 3513/5000, Frame: 38 1/2 x 30 in. (97.8 x 76.2 cm.)

    Est: $50 - $100

    John A. Ruthven (American 1924-2020), "Bengal Tiger," Lithograph in Color, Signed c.r. and Numbered 3513/5000,

    Weschler's
  • John A. Ruthven (1928 - 2020) (Cincinnati, OH) Lithograph on Paper "Spring Reflection"
    Jun. 08, 2025

    John A. Ruthven (1928 - 2020) (Cincinnati, OH) Lithograph on Paper "Spring Reflection"

    Est: $80 - $150

    Lithograph on paper by John A. Ruthven. "Spring Reflection" signed lower right and numbered 134/500 lower left. Sight - 31 1/2 x 20 1/4. Frame - 45 x 30.

    Main Auction Galleries
  • John A. Ruthven (1928 - 2020) (Cincinnati, OH) Print on Paper "Winter Reflection"
    Jun. 08, 2025

    John A. Ruthven (1928 - 2020) (Cincinnati, OH) Print on Paper "Winter Reflection"

    Est: $100 - $200

    Print on paper by John A. Ruthven. "Winter Reflection" signed, dated 1985, numbered 79/500 lower right and titled center lower margin. Sight - 32 1/2 x 21 3/4, Frame - 43 1/2 x 32.

    Main Auction Galleries
  • John A. Ruthven (1928 - 2020) (Cincinnati, OH) Print on Paper "Artic Fox" Plate #1
    Jun. 08, 2025

    John A. Ruthven (1928 - 2020) (Cincinnati, OH) Print on Paper "Artic Fox" Plate #1

    Est: $300 - $500

    Print on paper by John A. Ruthven. "Artic Fox" from the "Artic" series. Plate number 1, print number 222. Certificate of registration to verso. Signed and numbered 222/950 lower right. Sight - 21 1/2 x 29 3/4. Frame - 31 1/2 x 29 3/4.

    Main Auction Galleries
  • Works on paper, John A Ruthven
    May. 16, 2025

    Works on paper, John A Ruthven

    Est: $500 - $700

    (lot of 3) John A. Ruthven (American, b. 1924), Ducks, pencil and gouache on paper, each signed lower left/right, sight (for each): 7"h x 9.5"w, overall (with frame, for each): 12.75"h x 16.75"w

    Clars Auctions
  • John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf
    May. 08, 2025

    John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf

    Est: $200 - $300

    John A. Ruthven, American born 1924, Signed and Numbered 215/720 Lithograph of Timber Wolf, Framed. Framed measures 41 inches x 32 inches.

    Greenwich Auction
  • John A. Ruthven "Bengal Tiger" Offset Lithograph
    Apr. 24, 2025

    John A. Ruthven "Bengal Tiger" Offset Lithograph

    Est: $100 - $200

    John Aldrich Ruthven (American, 1924-2020), "Bengal Tiger", Offset Lithograph in Colors, signed in plate and in pencil lower left, titled to center, numbered edition "622/1000" lower right, marked "Plate I / Regal Sries" upper left, wood frame. Image: 23.5" H x 33" W; frame: 29.5" H x 39.5" W. Provenance: From a multi-generation 5th Avenue Estate. Keywords: Prints, Multiples, Natural History, Naturalism, Biology, Big Cat, Feline, Animalier, Pounce, leap, Hunt, Roar, Illustration, American School, 20th Century Art

    Auctions at Showplace
  • John A Ruthven, American Bald Eagle Print, Signed by Presidents Gerald R Ford and Ronald Reagan
    Mar. 11, 2025

    John A Ruthven, American Bald Eagle Print, Signed by Presidents Gerald R Ford and Ronald Reagan

    Est: $400 - $600

    John A Ruthven (American 1924 - 2020) American Bald Eagle Etching on Paper, Edition 726 of 1000 Signed by President Gerald R Ford and President Ronald Reagan with the signature of the artist on the lower left. Wooden frame measuring H 37 W 29 inches  Print in very good condition with some loss to the frame 

    Dallas Auction Gallery
  • John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf
    Feb. 20, 2025

    John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf

    Est: $200 - $300

    John A. Ruthven, American born 1924, Signed and Numbered 215/720 Lithograph of Timber Wolf, Framed. Framed measures 41 inches x 32 inches.

    Greenwich Auction
  • John A. Ruthven (1924-2020, Cincinnati) Lithograph "The Great Auk, Alca, Imperinis"
    Feb. 16, 2025

    John A. Ruthven (1924-2020, Cincinnati) Lithograph "The Great Auk, Alca, Imperinis"

    Est: $100 - $200

    Lithograph on paper, "The Great Auk Alca Impennis" on elderly rock. Signed lower right. Titled and numbered 14/200 lower margin. Image size 22 3/4 x 29 1/4 Frame- 31 1/2 x 37

    Main Auction Galleries
  • JOHN A. RUTHVEN (American 1924-2020) "Galveston Sandpipers," 1984
    Feb. 08, 2025

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (American 1924-2020) "Galveston Sandpipers," 1984

    Est: $800 - $1,200

    JOHN A. RUTHVEN (American 1924-2020) "Galveston Sandpipers," 1984, watercolor and gouache on paper, signed in pencil L/R, "John A. Ruthven ©." 18" x 13" Frame 25 3/4" x 20 3/4"

    Simpson Galleries, LLC
  • John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf
    Feb. 06, 2025

    John Ruthven Signed Numbered Print of Timber Wolf

    Est: $200 - $300

    John A. Ruthven, American born 1924, Signed and Numbered 215/720 Lithograph of Timber Wolf, Framed. Framed measures 41 inches x 32 inches.

    Greenwich Auction
  • John A Ruthven Bobwhite Early Bird series
    Jul. 23, 2024

    John A Ruthven Bobwhite Early Bird series

    Est: -

    John A Ruthvan early bird series

    Koogler Auctions
  • Rare Hand Crafted & Painted Bird House by John A. Ruthven
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Rare Hand Crafted & Painted Bird House by John A. Ruthven

    Est: $1,000 - $1,500

    John A. Ruthven (Cincinnati, Georgetown, 1924-2020) Hand crafted and painted bird house for a client M.D.W. Roof painted with bees and flies signed John A. Ruthven. Provenance: Collection of Jonas Meyer Karp: Acquired directly form John A. Ruthven in 2006. 9w x 4d x 6 3/8h

    Main Auction Galleries
  • 1960 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP PRINT AND STAMP FRAMED
    Jul. 17, 2024

    1960 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP PRINT AND STAMP FRAMED

    Est: $300 - $500

    John A. Ruthven (American 1924-2020). 1960 Federal duck stamp print, lithograph on paper, ink signed, and titled in the lower right margin, accompanied by duck stamp #rw27. Approximate dimensions: sight h. 7", w. 9.75"; frame h. 16.5", w. 16.125", d. 0.5".

    Ahlers & Ogletree Inc.
  • JOHN RUTHVEN CAROLINA PARAKEET LG AQUATINT 1969
    Apr. 14, 2024

    JOHN RUTHVEN CAROLINA PARAKEET LG AQUATINT 1969

    Est: $60 - $100

    Extinct Carolina Parakeet Large Bird Print by John A. Ruthven (1924-2020) (after)Hand-colored aquatint with Norma Gloria Morgan(engraver) and Andersen-Lamb (printer)

    District Auction
  • "Meadowlark" Offset Lithograph by John Ruthven
    Feb. 21, 2024

    "Meadowlark" Offset Lithograph by John Ruthven

    Est: $50 - $75

    John Ruthven (American/Ohio, b. 1924). 27" x 22" (sight).

    Caza Sikes
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Red Fox, etching
    Jan. 26, 2024

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Red Fox, etching

    Est: $100 - $150

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Red Fox etching signed, numbered 154/1000, framed, frame size 43 x 34 inches.

    Link Auction Galleries
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Wandering Brave, aquatint engraving
    Dec. 15, 2023

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Wandering Brave, aquatint engraving

    Est: $100 - $200

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Wandering Brave aquatint engraving limited edition 340/1000. signed. framed. frame size 38 3/4 x 29 3/4

    Link Auction Galleries
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, aquatint engraving
    Dec. 15, 2023

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Ivory-Billed Woodpecker, aquatint engraving

    Est: $300 - $500

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Ivory-Billed Woodpecker aquatint engraving limited edition 256/500. original watercolor by john A Ruthven, engraved by Norma Moran, printed by Anderson-Lamb. hand colored. signed lower left. framed. frame size 35 6/8 x 47

    Link Auction Galleries
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Carolina Paraquets, aquatint engraving
    Dec. 15, 2023

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Carolina Paraquets, aquatint engraving

    Est: $200 - $300

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Carolina Paraquets aquatint engraving limited edition 254/500. original water by John A. Ruthven, engraved by Norma Moran, printed by Anderson-Lamb. hand colored. signed lower right. framed. frame size 46 x 33 3/4.

    Link Auction Galleries
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Grants Zebra, offset lithograpth
    Dec. 15, 2023

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Grants Zebra, offset lithograpth

    Est: $100 - $200

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Grants Zebra offset lithograpth limited edition 599/3500. signed lower left. framed. frame size 31 1/2 x 38 1/2.

    Link Auction Galleries
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Eagle to the Moon, lithograph
    Dec. 15, 2023

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Eagle to the Moon, lithograph

    Est: $200 - $300

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Eagle to the Moon lithograph limited edition 150/500. signed lower left. framed. frame size 42 3/4 x 32 3/4.

    Link Auction Galleries
  • John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Passenger Pigeon, aquatint engrving
    Dec. 15, 2023

    John A Ruthven, 1924-2020, Passenger Pigeon, aquatint engrving

    Est: $100 - $200

    John A Ruthven 1924-2020 Passenger Pigeon aquatint engrving limited edition 256 /500. original watercolor by John A Ruthven, engraved by Norma Morgan, printed by Anderson-Lamb. signed lower right. framed. frame size 49 x 35

    Link Auction Galleries
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