Seated Figure with Raised Arm
Mixed media drawing on paper • Attributed to an anonymous Modernist or Expressionist artist, possibly in the manner of post-war European or Latin American figurative modernism
Style & Movement
Modernist Figurative Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Pastel, ink, and possible wash on heavy wove paper, utilizing bold contour lines and expressive color blocking
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century, circa 1960s-1980s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches, vertical portrait format
Subject Description
An abstract, highly stylized seated human figure in a compressed vertical composition, featuring flattened planes, distorted anatomical features such as prominent hands and feet, and bold outlines defining segmented body parts
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition; paper shows slight discoloration and toning consistent with age, mounted under glass
Estimated Market Value
500 USD - 1500 USD
Auction Estimate
300 USD - 800 USD
Provenance History
Unknown direct provenance; likely acquired from a regional gallery, estate sale, or directly from an independent artist's studio
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the mid-century global exploration of non-naturalistic representation, drawing influences from Cubism, Primitivism, and Expressionist distortion of the human form
Notable Features
Striking use of heavy red contour lines to isolate colored fields, along with expressive, abstracted renderings of extremities like the toes and fingers at the margins
Condition Issues
Minor surface dirt, possible acid burn or toning of the paper stock from aging backing materials, and potential light fading of pastel pigments
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free matting and UV-filtering conservation glass to prevent further degradation of the paper and media
Collector Notes
N/a