Seated Female Figure in Profile
Drawing on paper, framed • Circle of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres or early Academic French School (possibly an atelier study)
Style & Movement
Neoclassicism / Academic Realism
Medium & Technique
Black chalk or graphite with touches of white chalk heightening on toned or aged laid paper; employs sfumato-like blending and delicate contouring
Creation Period
Mid to late 19th Century
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 20 cm (sight); vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A seated woman viewed in profile, possibly a study for a larger figurative composition. The subject is depicted with hair tied back, wearing a simple garment with voluminous folds in the skirt, emphasizing form and drapery study.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible age-related toning of the paper and minor foxing
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD (dependent on verification of artist)
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely private collection; lacks visible external stamps or wax seals on the front, suggesting a lineage of domestic ownership
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the 19th-century European tradition of life studies and preparatory drawings, showcasing the importance of draughtsmanship in the academic curriculum.
Notable Features
Delicate modulation of shadow on the back and neck; the use of toned paper to provide a mid-tone for the chalk highlights.
Condition Issues
General yellowing/acidification of the paper support, minor light staining, and slight fading of the white heightening.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional deframing to check for acidic backing; use of UV-filtering glass and archival acid-free matting; keep in controlled humidity away from direct sunlight.