Profile Portrait of a Young Woman
Drawing on paper • Indistinctly signed (possibly 'H. Lewis' or similar); likely an American illustrator or portrait artist from the mid-20th century.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Illustration / Sketchbook Realism
Medium & Technique
Charcoal or thick graphite on paper; utilizes gestural hatching, sweeping linework for the hair, and smudging for tonal transition.
Creation Period
Circa 1960s – 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A profile portrait of a woman with a 'bouffant' or 'pixie-cut' hairstyle characteristic of the 1960s. The composition focuses on the facial contours and the textural volume of the hair, rendered with expressive, bold strokes.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible signs of aging including paper oxidation and a horizontal crease/tear across the center-left.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown private collection; likely a commissioned portrait or a study from a local artist's studio.
Art Historical Significance
Demonstrates the influence of commercial illustration and rapid-sketch portraiture popular in the mid-20th century. It captures the fashion and aesthetic of its era but appears to be a personal or commercial study rather than a major institutional work.
Notable Features
Prominent signature and date (partially obscured) in the lower-left; the use of high-contrast 'chiaroscuro' lighting effects achieved through heavy charcoal application against the pale paper.
Condition Issues
Significant horizontal crease/fold through the center of the paper; surface yellowing (toning) due to acidic mount or light exposure; minor foxing or flyspecks in the upper region.
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from current acidic backing, de-acidify paper, and re-frame using archival acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing.