Standing Figure (Fragment/Detail)
Original drawing on paper board • Attributed to or Manner of Alberto Giacometti (based on stylistic sketching and visible vertical signature reading 'Giacometti')
Style & Movement
Modernism, specifically related to Surrealism or Existentialism/Post-War European Art
Medium & Technique
Black charcoal or lithographic crayon with white chalk or gouache highlights; employs vigorous hatching and cross-hatching techniques
Creation Period
Late 19th to mid-20th century (Modernist era)
Dimensions & Format
Small to medium scale, long vertical/portrait format
Subject Description
A vertically oriented figure or abstract form characterized by elongated, skeletal lines. The composition emphasizes a singular presence against a stark background, utilizing high-contrast light and shadow to create volume.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; the work shows significant signs of age, including yellowing of the paper and possible abrasions along the charcoal texture.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $15,000 (as attributed/study); significantly higher if authenticated by the Giacometti Foundation
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $8,000
Provenance History
Unknown; requires professional authentication to confirm the legitimacy of the vertical signature and history of ownership.
Art Historical Significance
If authentic, it represents the artist's pursuit of capturing the 'essence' of the human form through reductive line work, typical of the existentialist focus on solitude and fragility.
Notable Features
Distinctive vertical signature on the left edge and the use of white highlights to create a three-dimensional 'trembling' effect characteristic of Giacometti's drafting style.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing, surface dirt, and significant tonal shifted (yellowing) of the paper substrate. Smudging of the charcoal media is possible due to lack of fixative.
Conservation Recommendations
Consult a paper conservator for dry cleaning and deacidification. Should be mounted using acid-free materials and UV-protective glazing.