Portrait of a Woman (Shaved Head with Hoop Earring)
Original drawing on paper or board • Signed 'B. Manger' or 'F. Manger' (lower right). The style suggests a highly skilled illustrator or portraitist active in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism with influences from mid-century editorial illustration and the Black is Beautiful movement.
Medium & Technique
Pen and ink (ballpoint or fine-liner) using cross-hatching, stippling, and controlled line work for shading and volume.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century, specifically circa 1970s based on the aesthetic, signature style, and subject matter.
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 20 x 16 inches; Portrait format.
Subject Description
A close-up three-quarter profile of a Black woman with a shaved head, wearing a single large hoop earring. The composition focuses on the subject's elegant neck, defined facial structure, and intense gaze. Background features stylized hatched floral or abstract patterns.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. There are visible signs of surface aging, minor foxing/spotting in the upper quadrants, and slight yellowing of the paper substrate.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,200 (dependant on firm identification of the artist)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600
Provenance History
Acquired via private sale. No visible exhibition or gallery labels, suggesting a history of private ownership.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the 1970s cultural shift toward celebrating natural African features and bold, minimalist aesthetics in portraiture. It displays high technical proficiency in pen-and-ink rendering, common in high-end editorial art of that era.
Notable Features
Distinctive cross-hatched background motifs contrast with the smooth, stippled skin texture; prominent artist signature with a specific '70s graphic flourish.
Condition Issues
Minor foxing and brownish spotting in the background; surface dust; possible slight warping of the support board; minor frame wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend de-acidification of the mount, cleaning of the glass, and re-framing with archival-grade acid-free matting and UV-protective glass to prevent further yellowing.
Collector Notes
Sale