Elongated Nude Female Figure
Mixed media drawing on shaped paper (possibly a found object or envelope) • Attributed to Limbor (signed 'Limbor 51')
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Expressionist illustration. Shows influences of Surrealist distortion and 1950s commercial fashion illustration.
Medium & Technique
Ink, watercolor, and wash on paper. Employs swift, calligraphic line work and atmospheric wash for depth.
Creation Period
1951 (Based on the signature '51')
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 6 inches (sight); Vertical 'scroll' or banner format on an octagonal-clipped support.
Subject Description
A highly stylized, elongated female nude figure with an extremely thin neck and torso. The figure features a beehive-style hairstyle consistent with mid-century trends. The composition is vertical and minimalist, utilizing a small grey wash area to the left to ground the figure.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair. Significant signs of age and previous handling are visible.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a regional estate or private collection. No visible gallery or exhibition labels.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of mid-20th-century stylized figurative art. While the artist 'Limbor' is not a major household name in art history, the work captures the aesthetic sensibilities of the 1950s, specifically the intersection of high art and graphic illustration.
Notable Features
The most unique feature is the octagonal, elongated shape of the paper, which suggests it may have been an incidental drawing on a found piece of stationery or packaging. The signature is clear and stylishly integrated with the grey wash.
Condition Issues
Evident creasing throughout the paper support, foxing (brown spotting), paper toning/acidic yellowing, and minor edge damage. The paper appears slightly buckled under the mat.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deacidification and flattening recommended. Should be re-mounted using acid-free, archival materials and protected under UV-filtering glass to prevent further darkening of the paper.