Portrait of a Woman with Pearls
Drawing on tinted paper, matted and framed • Attributed to an unidentified contemporary hand, bearing initials 'SB' and the date '80' in the lower right
Style & Movement
Realist / Academic Portraiture, 20th-century figurative style
Medium & Technique
Pastel and charcoal or chalk on laid or textured beige-brown paper, utilizing hatching and tonal blending techniques
Creation Period
Late 20th century, specifically dated 1980 (based on visible signature and style)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated to be approximately 16 x 14 inches (sight size), vertical portrait format
Subject Description
A three-quarter length portrait of a mature woman with styled hair, wearing a collared shirt or sweater and a strand of beaded pearls. The composition emphasizes facial features and expression, set against a softly textured neutral background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The paper appears stable with minor signs of age-appropriate toning, well-preserved under matting.
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400
Provenance History
Private collection, acquired directly from the artist or secondary art market; direct ownership history currently unrecorded.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century commissioned or personal portraiture executed in traditional dry media, reflecting domestic artistic production of the period.
Notable Features
Monogrammed signature 'SB' accompanied by the date '80' in the lower right corner; effective use of the mid-tone paper color to create natural highlights.
Condition Issues
Potential slight acid migration from the matting board over time; minor surface dust or particulate matter trapped under the glazing.
Conservation Recommendations
Use acid-free framing materials and UV-protective glass. Maintain stable, low-humidity environmental conditions to preserve the delicate pastel/chalk pigments.