King or Regal Figure in Mask (Portrait of a Sovereign)
Original drawing/painting on paper, framed under glass • Attributed to a modern expressionist artist; signature visible in lower right but difficult to decipher from the image (appears to be a 20th-century American or European hand).
Style & Movement
Neo-Expressionism with influences of Primitivism and African Tribal Art; reminiscent of the works of Georges Rouault or the COBRA movement in its bold outlines.
Medium & Technique
Pastel or mixed media (charcoal and chalk) on paper. Employs soft blending, heavy linework, and textured layering of pigment to create a luminous, mask-like effect.
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980-1995)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 18 inches (visual estimate); vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A stylized, elongated portrait of a crowned figure. The face is rendered with mask-like geometric planes and downcast eyes, evoking a sense of sorrow or solemnity. The figure wears a vibrant blue striped garment and a golden crown against a bifurcated background of deep maroon and pale grey.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The colors remain vibrant under the glazing, though there is potential for pastel dust migration onto the glass surface.
Estimated Market Value
$800.00 - $1,500.00 (variable based on definitive identification of the signature).
Auction Estimate
$500.00 - $900.00
Provenance History
Unknown; physical evidence of professional custom framing indicates it was acquired through a gallery or established collection in the late 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
The work reflects the mid-late 20th-century fascination with the 'modern icon,' merging traditional European portraiture with non-Western aesthetic influences to explore psychological depth and human vulnerability.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of heavy black outlines juxtaposed with luminous cerulean blue; the signature and date in the lower right corner serve as primary identifiers for further research.
Condition Issues
Minor reflections on glass; slight yellowing of the mat board (acidic matting); potential for minor pigment loss characteristic of pastel media over time.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend replacing the inner mat with acid-free museum-grade matting to prevent 'acid burn' on the paper. Use UV-protective glazing to prevent pigment fading from light exposure.