Untitled Abstract (Shield and Arch)
Work on paper; likely a mixed media print or drawing • Attributed to James Brown (American, 1951-2020) based on signature style
Style & Movement
Neo-Expressionism / Contemporary Abstraction
Medium & Technique
Graphite, charcoal, and ochre pigment (possibly pastel or gouache) with elements of intaglio printing (evident plate mark)
Creation Period
1992 (dated)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches; portrait orientation on a larger rectangular sheet
Subject Description
An abstract composition featuring a vertical arrangement of geometric forms: a grey arched apex above a yellow-ochre shield-like shape marked with an 'X'. The forms are surrounded by loose, expressive gestural lines and placed within a defined rectangular plate border.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; the paper appears bright with some minor undulations; framed behind glass
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$1,000 - $2,000 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; signature 'Brown 92' suggests primary market acquisition in the early 1990s
Art Historical Significance
James Brown's work from the early 1990s represents a bridge between 1980s Neo-Expressionism and a more refined, semiotic abstraction. This piece reflects his interest in primitive signs and religious or heraldic iconography.
Notable Features
Prominent original signature 'Brown 92' at the base; visible indentation of the printing plate mark suggests a unique state or hand-worked proof.
Condition Issues
Slight bowing of the paper due to humidity or mounting; minor surface dust trapped under glass; possible light fading to the graphite if previously exposed to UV.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass; maintain a stable environment with 50% relative humidity.