Portrait of an Indigenous Child (likely Oxborough)
Painting on paper, framed and matted. • Margie Ortman. The signature in the lower right clearly reads 'by Margie Ortman.' Above it, 'Oxborough' is noted, likely referring to the subject or a location.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Realism / Regionalist Portraiture. The style is illustrative and sentimental, common in mid-to-late 20th-century North American decorative art.
Medium & Technique
Pastel or colored pencil on paper. The artist has used soft blending to achieve the skin tones and more linear, graphic strokes for the hair and clothing details.
Creation Period
Late 20th century, circa 1970–1990.
Dimensions & Format
Small-scale portrait format. Estimated 5x7 inches for the inner image, housed in a larger wooden frame (approx. 12x14 inches).
Subject Description
A bust-length portrait of a young child, likely of Indigenous or Native American heritage, wearing a yellow jacket with decorative floral/star motifs. The child has dark hair and a calm, direct expression. The background is a neutral, light-colored haze.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The artwork appears well-preserved behind glass; however, the matting shows slight discoloration, and the frame has minor edge wear.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD. Values for decorative mid-century pastel portraits by regional artists are generally modest.
Auction Estimate
$40 - $100 USD.
Provenance History
Private collection. No external labels visible. The inscription 'Oxborough' might indicate the work was commissioned in or depicts a person from the Oxborough region (potentially Minnesota/Western Canada region where the artist practiced).
Art Historical Significance
Margie Ortman was a regional artist known for her portraits of Indigenous children and nature scenes. This piece is representative of her commercial oeuvre, which focused on capturing the innocence of youth and regional cultural identity.
Notable Features
Includes a double signature/inscription in the lower right corner. The choice of yellow for the garment creates a vibrant focal point that contrasts with the soft rendering of the facial features.
Condition Issues
Possible acid migration from the non-archival matting (indicated by the brown hue of the mat). Slight light fading may be present due to the medium's sensitivity to UV.
Conservation Recommendations
Replace the existing mat with acid-free, archival museum board to prevent further yellowing. Ensure the glass is UV-protective and keep the work out of direct sunlight to prevent the pigments from fading.