Head of a Woman (Inverted)
Work on paper; drawing • Somville (likely Roger Somville, Belgian, 1923–2014)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / Expressionist Realism; characterized by vigorous, spontaneous drafting.
Medium & Technique
Charcoal or lithographic crayon on paper; employs rapid gestural line work and soft atmospheric smudging (sfumato effect) near the eyes.
Creation Period
1963 (Dated lower left)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 30 cm; portrait orientation (viewed vertically) on a landscape-oriented sheet.
Subject Description
An expressive, stylized portrait of a female face positioned at an inverted angle. The composition utilizes thick black contours and minimal shading to evoke emotional depth and psychological presence.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible creasing on the right margin and slight paper discoloration consistent with age.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$500 - $1,000 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; contains a visible signature and date ('Somville 1963') which suggests authentic period origin.
Art Historical Significance
Somville was a key figure in Belgian social realism and expressionism. This 1963 sketch represents his transition toward more fluid, humanistic forms after his work with the 'Centre de la Rénovation de la Tapisserie'.
Notable Features
Distinctive inverted perspective of the subject; high-contrast gestural marks; signed and dated in the lower left corner in a script consistent with the artist's known hand.
Condition Issues
Soft creasing running vertically down the right side; minor corner wear; light surface dirt and potential foxing spots in the upper left.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional flattening to address creases; mounting using acid-free archival materials; framing under UV-protective museum glass to prevent further yellowing.