Multiple Faces / Fractured Portraits (Descriptive Title)
Original drawing on paper • Signature suggests an Eastern European or Slavic hand (possibly 'Mish.../Muh...'); stylistic traits align with Mannerist-influenced Surrealism or Polish/Czech Post-War Expressionism
Style & Movement
Post-war Figurative Expressionism with Surrealist and Cubist influences
Medium & Technique
Ink, wash, and possibly watercolor or pencil on paper using cross-hatching and layered washes
Creation Period
Late 20th century (c. 1970–1990)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 18 x 24 inches; landscape format
Subject Description
A complex composition of overlapping and fractured human faces. To the center and right, figures appear entwined, with repeated facial features (multiple eyes and mouths) suggesting movement or psychological fragmentation. To the far left, a severed or reflected head peers from a geometric frame, creating a sense of claustrophobia and voyeurism.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the paper appears flat, though there is slight evidence of age-toning and possible reflection from being under glass
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,200
Provenance History
Unknown; signature present in lower right corner suggests a professional artist, likely acquired through a gallery or private collection in the late 20th century
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the mid-to-late 20th-century preoccupation with the 'fractured self,' drawing from Francis Bacon's distortion and the Polish school of graphic arts. It serves as a strong example of how classical draftsmanship (seen in the cross-hatching) can be applied to modern psychological themes.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of 'oculi' (multiple eyes) on single faces and a very refined, rhythmic hand in the cross-hatched sections that creates a sense of shimmering light and volume
Condition Issues
Minor yellowing at the paper edges (mat burn); surface reflections and glare suggest it is currently framed behind non-museum glass which can lead to UV degradation over time
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend re-framing with acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass to prevent further yellowing and fading of the delicate washes