I found this painting in my late aunt's house and I was wondering if anyone could help me identify it. My aunt had told me in the past that this was a fairly valuable painting and I'm trying to find out more about it to see if it's worth getting it appraised.

I know nothing about it's history or the artist.

I am sorry for the low quality pictures as my digital camera is really bad.

A full view of the painting:

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2525/bigc.th.png

Close up of the signature:

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/7571/sigz.th.png

I have identified the painting. Please help me figure out the value in this thread.