Group of Figures (Double Portrait with Attendants)
Work on paper; drawing • Attributed to Wim Jansen (based on lower right signature); aligns with post-war Dutch or European figurative expressionism.
Style & Movement
Expressionism; Post-War Figurative Art
Medium & Technique
Ink and wash on paper; likely India ink or sumi ink, applied with brush and pen, utilizing wash techniques for tonal depth and gestural linework for forms.
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (c. 1950s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 cm; portrait orientation
Subject Description
A dreamlike, overlapping composition of human figures. A central male figure with a bow tie and a female figure are prominent at the top, while smaller, shrouded figures appear in the lower left. The style is fluid and calligraphic, suggesting psychological interiority or social satire.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing minor age-related characteristics consistent with mid-century paper works.
Estimated Market Value
USD 800 - USD 1,500
Auction Estimate
USD 500 - USD 1,000
Provenance History
Unknown; likely originated from a private collection in the Netherlands or Western Europe. Bears a signature 'Wim Jansen' lower right.
Art Historical Significance
Representing the post-war European shift toward subjective, gestural representation. Jansen's work reflects the tension between individual identity and collective experience common in mid-century Dutch art circles.
Notable Features
Distinctive calligraphic signature lower right; experimental use of 'dripped' ink lines on the right side; overlapping transparency effects between the figures.
Condition Issues
Slight tonal yellowing of the paper support; minor undulation of the paper; possible light-fading of the ink washes; edges show slight wear from previous mounting.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free, reversible archival materials; frame under UV-protective museum glass; maintain stable humidity and avoid direct sunlight exposure.