Portrait of a Young Woman in Red Bonnet
Painting on canvas board or panel • Mabel Dietrich
Style & Movement
American Regionalism / Realist Portraiture
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas with visible impasto and textural brushwork
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches; portrait orientation
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of a young woman wearing a red ruff-collar garment and a matching red bonnet or hood. The subject has dark hair and a serious expression, set against a dark, atmospheric purple-toned background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible surface texture and some age-related darkening of the varnish
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Likely private collection; currently appearing on the secondary market via online charity auction platforms (ShopGoodwill)
Art Historical Significance
Representative of mid-century American female painters; showcases a blend of traditional portraiture techniques with later modernist textural applications.
Notable Features
Signature located in the lower-left or mid-left quadrant in a pale, impasto-heavy script; use of bold primary colors in the sitter's costume against a muted background.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt, possible slight yellowing of varnish, and minor frame rubbing along edges.
Conservation Recommendations
Surface cleaning and application of a fresh UV-protective varnish; professional framing behind archival materials.