Portrait of a Young Girl with Bonnet
Drawing on paper • Likely G. Bagule (based on the signature in the lower right). The style and signature also show similarities to work associated with mid-century European illustrators or the École de Paris manner.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modernism / Figurative Realism. The work exhibits a stylistic economy of line typical of the mid-20th-century decorative arts and graphic illustration.
Medium & Technique
Graphite or charcoal on laid or textured paper. The technique employs clean contour lines and subtle cross-hatching for shading, focusing on a minimalist, linear aesthetic.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s–1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A frontal portrait of a young girl or woman wearing a large, wing-like bonnet or headscarf. The composition is centered and symmetrical, focusing on the calm expression and wide-set eyes of the subject. The style is melancholic but elegant, typical of mid-century portraiture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Visible structural damage to the paper support and significant oxidation/toning.
Estimated Market Value
USD $150 - $400
Auction Estimate
USD $100 - $300
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a private collection or estate. The presence of a signature and a possible secondary inscription in the lower left suggests a professional or semi-professional studio origin.
Art Historical Significance
While not a piece by a major canonized master, it represents the high quality of mid-century draftsmanship and the influence of modernist simplification on traditional portraiture during the post-war period.
Notable Features
Features two distinct inscriptions: a primary signature 'G. Bagule' on the lower right and a secondary, less legible inscription or annotation on the lower left. The textured 'laid' paper adds a rhythmic vertical pattern to the background.
Condition Issues
Significant curving tear or crease in the upper left corner. The paper shows yellowing (toning) consistent with age and exposure to light or non-archival backing. There are minor pinholes or marks at the edges suggesting it was previously tacked up.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional paper conservation is needed to stabilize the tear. The artwork should be deacidified if possible and mounted using acid-free, archival materials and UV-protective glazing to prevent further browning and brittleness.