Double Portrait of Two Women in Profile
Original drawing on paper board, presented in an oval format. • Signed 'Dara L.' or similar. Likely a regional artist or skilled illustrator rather than a globally recognized master.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Illustrative Portraiture. The style exhibits influences from commercial illustration and mid-century feminine portraiture.
Medium & Technique
Mixed media involving colored pencil, graphite, and likely soft pastel or watercolor wash. The technique uses fine stippling and layering for skin tones with bolder, waxy strokes in the hair and clothing.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, likely circa 1970-1990 based on the illustrative style and fashion/hair aesthetics.
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 16 inches; Oval portrait format.
Subject Description
The composition features two female figures in profile, overlapping to create depth. Both gaze upward with similar expressions, suggesting a shared emotion or common focal point. The upper figure has light features while the lower figure has dark hair, creating a contrast of color and texture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The artwork appears stable within its frame, though there is visible toning to the paper.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely acquired from a private estate or local gallery. The signature suggests a contemporary individual commission or a studio piece.
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of late 20th-century decorative portraiture. It serves as a study in facial anatomy and the use of mixed media to achieve soft, diffused lighting effects commonly found in romanticized illustration.
Notable Features
Distinctive oval composition follows the tradition of Victorian cameos but updated with 20th-century media. Notable for the stylized 'butterfly' or gold hair ornament on the upper figure and the artist's cursive signature in the lower left.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing/browning of the paper (acidification), slight fading of the blue pigment in the background, and potential minor smudging typical of soft-dry media.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend reframing with acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing and pigment degradation. Keep out of direct sunlight.