Profile of a Woman / Ethereal Head Study
Print, likely a lithograph or serigraph on heavy art paper • Attributed to Susan Pear Meisel (based on stylistic similarities and signature analysis), or a contemporary of her commercial illustration style
Style & Movement
Contemporary Romanticism / Commercial Illustration with influences of Abstract Expressionist wash techniques
Medium & Technique
Watercolor-style print technique reproducing wet-on-wet washes, bleeding, and delicate graphite-like line work
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, approximately 1970–1990
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches, Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
A minimalist, ethereal profile of a woman's face, merging into abstract washes of purple, blue, and green. The composition emphasizes white space (negative space) and the softness of the facial features against a turbulent, cloud-like headpiece or hair.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; visible light foxing or spotting in the upper left and center white areas, possibly some minor fading from light exposure
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $400 USD (depending on identity confirmation and paper quality)
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely private collection from a gallery or high-end decor retailer. The piece features a limited edition numbering (bottom left) and an artist signature (bottom right).
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century trend of 'Decorative Fine Art' prints that bridged the gap between commercial graphic design and gallery fine art, often found in interior design contexts of the 1980s.
Notable Features
Limited edition numbering (312/XXX) indicates a moderate print run; fluid, calligraphic signature; high-contrast use of negative space creates a delicate, 'dissolving' aesthetic effect.
Condition Issues
Visible moisture spots or foxing in the paper margin; potential yellowing of paper due to acidic mounting or UV exposure; frame appears basic and may not be archival.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free matting and UV-protective glazing. Professional cleaning of the paper could remove surface spots/foxing to prevent further deterioration.