Portrait of Mignon Comer Smith
Drawing / Pastel on Paper • Tancredi Pizzella (Italian-American, 1855–1934)
Style & Movement
Belle Époque / Academic Realism with influences of Edwardian society portraiture.
Medium & Technique
Pastel on paper (or paperboard) using a soft, blended technique typical of the Belle Époque. Features sfumato transitions in the skin tones and delicate layering for the transparency of the chiffon and texture of the fur stole.
Creation Period
1920
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 32 x 24 inches; Vertical Portrait format.
Subject Description
A sophisticated half-length portrait of a woman, Mignon Comer Smith, looking toward the viewer with a slight smile. She wears a dark, sheer gown with a prominent fur stole draped over her shoulder. The background is a muted interior including a framed picture on the wall, creating a sense of domestic luxury and refinement.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors appear well-preserved under glass, though there is a slight haziness likely due to dust on the interior of the glass or mild oxidation of the paper support.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $5,000
Auction Estimate
$2,000 - $4,000
Provenance History
Likely commissioned by the Comer or Smith family. Pizzella was a sought-after portraitist for high-society families in the early 20th century. The sitter, Mignon Comer Smith, suggests a connection to prominent Southern industrial or political families.
Art Historical Significance
Pizzella was a highly skilled immigrant artist who specialized in pastel portraits of the American social elite. This work serves as a prime example of early 20th-century 'society' art, capturing the fashion, status, and aesthetic preferences of the post-WWI American upper class.
Notable Features
Features the distinctive signature 'Pizzella' and date '20' in the lower right. The rendering of the fur stole shows exceptional technical mastery of the pastel medium, and the inclusion of an interior room-within-a-room adds depth to the composition.
Condition Issues
Possible minor foxing or acid burning from original backing materials; slight shifting of the pastel dust may have occurred over time. The frame shows minor surface wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the artwork is mounted with acid-free, archival materials. UV-filtering museum glass is recommended to prevent fading. Avoid humid environments, as pastel is highly susceptible to mold.
Collector Notes
Portrait of Mignon Comer Smith signed Pizzella 1920