Portrait of Lord Robert Baden-Powell
Original drawing on metal plate (etching plate or decorative metal sheet) • Signed indistinctly as 'Gamin King' (likely a contemporary artist or amateur illustrator)
Style & Movement
Contemporary illustrative realism; specifically Scouting-themed art
Medium & Technique
Black ink or permanent marker on brushed metal surface; utilizes cross-hatching, stippling, and linear sketching techniques
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st Century (Modern era)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 8x10 to 12x14 inches; vertical portrait format on a rectangular metal plate with rounded corners.
Subject Description
A profile portrait of Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, depicted in his iconic campaign hat, uniform, and neckerchief, smoking a pipe. The composition focuses on the weathered texture of the face and the informal line-work of the clothing.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair; visible surface oxidation, fingerprint smudges, and minor scratches on the metallic background.
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $100 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a private commission, hobbyist piece, or commemorative item related to Boy Scout memorabilia.
Art Historical Significance
Low art-historical significance as a primary fine art piece, but high sentimental or niche value within the Scouting community. It represents the global cultural impact of Baden-Powell through vernacular portraiture.
Notable Features
The use of an industrial metal plate as a substrate instead of paper is highly unusual; the signature is located at the lower center and appears to be 'Gamin King'.
Condition Issues
Surface scuffing, fingerprint oils reacting with the metal, and possible ink fading or blurring in areas with high handling; some oxidation 'bloom' visible in the upper right.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean carefully with a soft microfiber cloth and a non-corrosive metal cleaner; mount in a shadowbox frame to prevent direct contact with glass; keep in a low-humidity environment to prevent further metallic corrosion.