Tête de jeune homme (After Jean-Honoré Fragonard)
Drawing / Work on paper • In the Manner of Jean-Honoré Fragonard; possibly a Studio of or after the Master. Notable 'TC' or 'JT' ligature monogram and 'Fragonard' inscribed below.
Style & Movement
Rococo Revival / Academicism
Medium & Technique
Black chalk (pierre noire) or charcoal with white chalk highlights on paper; features cross-hatching, stumping for soft shadows, and linear hatching.
Creation Period
Late 19th to early 20th century (c. 1880-1920)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 25 x 20 cm (sight); Portrait format
Subject Description
A portrait study of a young man with ruffled hair, glancing towards the viewer in three-quarter view. The composition mimics the expressive 'têtes d'expression' or fantasy portraits popular in the 18th century.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible foxing, paper discoloration, and adhesive staining at the margins.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Unknown private collection; gold leaf frame suggests a mid-20th-century mounting likely for a residential European or American interior.
Art Historical Significance
A testament to the enduring influence of the French Rococo masters. While likely an academic study or an hommage rather than an autograph work, it captures the psychological immediacy Fragonard was known for.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive monogram (likely the copyist's identification) and a later descriptive inscription of Fragonard's name. The frame is a classic cove-style with gold leaf, typical of early 20th-century taste.
Condition Issues
Significant brown spotting (foxing) throughout the paper. Dark staining along the perimeter (likely from acidic matting or old adhesives). Widespread yellowing (light burn). Tooled frame shows chips and gilding loss.
Conservation Recommendations
Professional cleaning by a paper conservator to reduce foxing and acidity. Remounting with archival acid-free materials and UV-protective glass is strongly advised.