Young Girl with Violin (possibly a portrait of Kathleen)
Print, specifically a color etching/aquatint on paper • Theo Tobiasse (attributed based on signature style, though the subject matter is unusually classical for his typical oeuvre; warrants closer inspection for related 20th-century printmakers like Kaiko Moti or similar European etchers)
Style & Movement
Modern figurative with nostalgic/Neoclassical revival influences; reminiscent of Belle Époque aesthetics
Medium & Technique
Color etching and aquatint; hand-colored or multiple-plate printing process featuring fine line work and tonal gradations in the background and upholstery
Creation Period
Late 20th century (likely circa 1970-1990) based on the style of the editioning and signature
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 18 inches (image size); vertical portrait orientation, presented in a matted frame
Subject Description
A young girl with long brown hair and a white bow sits in a green upholstered French-style armchair. She holds a violin in her right hand and a bow across her lap. The composition is a formal interior portrait, emphasizing a sense of childhood innocence and musical accomplishment.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; the print appears well-preserved under glass, though there is slight evidence of mat burn or paper toning consistent with age
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $450 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $300 USD
Provenance History
Private collection; indicated by limited edition numbering '1/300' and a graphite signature in the lower margin
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the late 20th-century market for high-quality decorative etchings that reference 19th-century portraiture traditions. It demonstrates the technical proficiency of European printmaking houses of the era.
Notable Features
Low edition number (1/300) indicates this was the first pull of the edition, which is often desirable to collectors; features a distinct plate mark indicating an authentic intaglio process.
Condition Issues
Possible minor yellowing of the paper (acidification) due to contact with non-archival matting; slight reflection and glare on the glass suggests it is not museum-grade UV protection.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-mat using 100% acid-free museum board and replace existing glass with UV-filtering acrylic or glass to prevent fading of the delicate colored inks.