Portrait of a Fisherman
Original drawing on paper • Signora S. Terracciano (Italian school)
Style & Movement
Academic Realism / Italian Verismo
Medium & Technique
Pastel and colored pencil on paper with fine blending and hatching techniques
Creation Period
Mid-20th century (c. 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (sight); Portrait format
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of an elderly bearded man, likely an Italian fisherman or peasant. He wears a dark beret, a light-colored ribbed jacket, a white collared shirt, and a vibrant red neckerchief. The composition focuses on the weathered texture of the subject's skin and the volume of his white beard, conveying a sense of dignity and life experience.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the paper shows slight overall toning consistent with age, but pigments remain vibrant under glass.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $350
Auction Estimate
$100 - $200
Provenance History
Private collection; likely purchased as a souvenir of the Grand Tour or from a regional Italian gallery during the mid-20th century. Includes a modern blue price tag suggesting recent estate or thrift sale history.
Art Historical Significance
This work is a fine example of mid-century Italian portraiture that continues the 19th-century tradition of 'Verismo' (realism), focusing on ethnographic subjects and the rugged beauty of the working class. It reflects a period where technical draftsmanship remained highly valued in European regional markets.
Notable Features
Features a clear signature in the lower left; characterful use of a bright red focal point (neckerchief) against a muted background; professionally matted in a period-style gilt frame.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper support; minor dust accumulation inside the frame; potential acidification from the non-archival blue matting.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free, archival-quality matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further toning and pigment fading. Ensure it is kept out of direct sunlight.