Male Portrait with Glasses
Original drawing on heavy paper/cardstock • Attributed to M.L. (signed and dated 'ML 2020' in the lower right quadrant).
Style & Movement
Contemporary Figurative Expressionism. The work displays characteristics of New Figurative Art, focusing on the psychological intensity of the sitter through non-naturalistic color palettes and energetic mark-making.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including pastel, charcoal, and likely chalk or gouache wash. The technique employs expressive hatching, blending (sfumato in the shadows), and high-contrast color layering with blue and magenta undertones.
Creation Period
2020
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches (estimated); Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A close-up portrait of a man wearing glasses, rendered in a three-quarter view. The composition focuses heavily on the play of light across the facial features, utilizing cool blues in the shadows and warm reds/whites for highlights. There is a perceptible sense of introspection or melancholy in the subject's expression.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The paper shows raw edges at the top, consistent with being removed from a spiral-bound sketchbook or a larger sheet. The media appears stable, though pastels are inherently fragile.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200
Auction Estimate
$300 - $700
Provenance History
Likely acquired directly from the artist or a contemporary art gallery. No secondary market labels are visible.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the 21st-century resurgence of figurative drawing. It demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of facial anatomy and color theory, reminiscent of the expressive portraiture style of Lucian Freud or Frank Auerbach, adapted for a contemporary aesthetic.
Notable Features
Distinguished by a bold use of 'electric' colors in the shadows and a visible under-drawing. The artist's initials 'ML' and the date '2020' are clearly integrated into the charcoal strokes at the bottom right.
Condition Issues
Minor edge wear at the top margin; potential smudging risk due to the friable nature of pastel and charcoal if not properly fixed or glazed.
Conservation Recommendations
Should be framed under UV-protective glass with a deep mat (or spacers) to prevent the media from touching the glazing. Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the pigments.