Portrait of a Man Smoking (Possible Self-Portrait or Acquaintance Study)
Drawing on paper • Signed 'Sara Kate', an emerging or student contemporary artist.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Illustrative Portraiture; demonstrates a focus on vernacular subject matter and casual figurative representation.
Medium & Technique
Graphite pencil and possibly charcoal pencil or dark crayon on textured paper; techniques include cross-hatching, stippling for the beard, and soft blending for the smoke rings.
Creation Period
2024 (as inscribed)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches (standard sketchbook size); vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A close-up portrait of a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and beard, captured in the act of smoking a cigarette. He is blowing distinct smoke rings that float to the right side of the composition. The man wears a dark, textured shirt, and his gaze is directed towards the viewer with a slight squint.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the paper appears clean with minimal handling wear, though there is slight smudging typical of graphite mediums in the background area.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Currently within the artist's collection or a private collection; the work is contemporary and has likely not changed hands through secondary market channels.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of 21st-century hobbyist or student figurative studies; it captures a momentary, casual act (smoking) that links it to the long-standing art historical tradition of 'tronies' or character studies.
Notable Features
Features a distinct signature and date 'Sara Kate 2024' in cursive at the bottom right; unique stylistic choice in rendering smoke rings as defined, floating ellipses.
Condition Issues
Light graphite smudging in the negative space; minor surface texture irregularities inherent to the paper choice; lack of fixative may lead to future smearing.
Conservation Recommendations
Apply a professional-grade archival fixative to prevent graphite transfer; frame under UV-protective glass with an acid-free mat to prevent the oil from the drawing from contacting the glass.