Head of a Person in Profile (Red and Grey)
Print on paper, likely a woodcut or lithograph • Modernist School, potentially European or American; reminiscent of the graphic works of Leonard Baskin or Ben Shahn in its bold, simplified form
Style & Movement
Modernist / Expressionist; characterized by stylized simplification, bold color blocks, and a focus on essential form
Medium & Technique
Colored ink on paper using a relief or planographic printing method; demonstrates a textured, grainy application of color to create tonal depth
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, approximately 1950-1970
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches; portrait orientation, rectangular format
Subject Description
A profile view of a human head rendered in deep red tones against a charcoal grey background. The features are abstracted and minimal, emphasizing the silhouette and the texture of the ink
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the print appears stable within its frame, though the paper may show age-related toning
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800, depending on identification of the artist and print edition number
Auction Estimate
$200 - $500
Provenance History
Unknown; requires inspection of the reverse for gallery labels or stamps. The red frame suggests mid-century decorative taste
Art Historical Significance
Represents the mid-century trend of moving away from realism toward symbolic, evocative portraiture and the exploration of printmaking as a primary fine art medium
Notable Features
The contrast between the granular texture of the red 'flesh' and the speckled grey background creates a distinctive psychological mood
Condition Issues
Possible light fading of the red pigment; minor surface dust; potential acid migration from the original matting if not archival
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using acid-free archival matting and UV-protective glass; keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the red ink