Help with signature on new found painting

Can anyone tell me who the artist is on this painting I found today? The bird on the side of it made me think of Matisse.
I was concerned it might be factory art because of the difficult signature, but for $20 for a real painting, I figure I can sell it if it's not a legitimate artist.
Thank you!

 

Frans Claerhout

 

I think you meant Chagall.

Debora

 

Is it behind glass?

Debora

 

Thank you!

 

Debora - yes and brown paper backing with a stamp that says
Fine art & framing
Shop 124
Cresta Centre
476-8288
(There is a telephone symbol in front of number & no area code)
I'll take pic of back tomorrow if needed.

 

Always needed. So what's the medium? (Oil wouldn't be behind glass.) Did you know the Cresta Center was in Johannesburg?

Debora

 

No I didn't. Do you think it's a painting? I'll take out to check if needed - big difference in price if a print (but at least it's not a factory painting this time!)

 

Nice bio on him...Biblical themes, huh? So Madonna and Child and...bird?

 

I found 1 (but can't find it again!) by him called washing Jesus face.

 

Here is the back of it - I found out there are a lot of Mother and Child by Frans Claerhout(!) and it's a mixed media on paper.

 

Looks good. Cresta Center is actually in Randburg outside of Johanesburg. Built 1977 so that's your earliest date.

Debora