Untitled Portrait (Signed Ray Grimes)
Painting on canvas • Ray Grimes
Style & Movement
Mid-century realist/expressive portraiture
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, traditional brushwork with blended tones and soft transitions
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (dated 12/17/60 in signature)
Dimensions & Format
Medium scale vertical portrait format (estimated 24 x 20 inches)
Subject Description
A close-up view of a signature and lower composition of a portrait featuring muted tones of green, red, and blue, set within a distressed ornate wooden frame.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paint layer appears stable with minor surface dust and localized discoloration.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Directly acquired from the artist's production or local regional estate sales; framed in a period-appropriate decorative gilt wood frame.
Art Historical Significance
Represents regional mid-century American portraiture, reflecting the academic and expressive training common among independent artists of the era.
Notable Features
Clearly legible signature and date reading 'Ray Grimes 12 17 60' located in the lower-left corner, paired with a heavily distressed, ornate wooden frame.
Condition Issues
Minor surface grime, slight yellowing of the varnish layer, and typical wear, chipping, and abrasions to the antique-style gilt wooden frame.
Conservation Recommendations
Light surface cleaning of the canvas by a professional conservator, and touch-up or stabilization of the gilt frame.