Bust of man with grid overlay on paper.
This mixed media drawing is in a frame- with u.V. Filtering glass.( Apologies for reflections in the photos. I tried to minimize the reflections.)Sight size is 19” x 14”. Black wax crayon and watercolor with black wax crayon grid overlay on deep ivory/ tan paper.
I bought this, unframed, around 1985 at an auction gallery in Sheffield, MA. It looks like a study for a mural to me, maybe 1930-1940. With optimism, many years ago I sent photos to a close friend and fellow professor, of Thomas Hart Benton. He kindly wrote back saying that he couldn’t rule it out, neither could he identify the man. I’ve always wondered if this was done for a WPA mural somewhere.
Auction House
Maybe
Dear Ann,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a mixed media paperwork with crayon and watercolor on paper with the measurements of 14 x 19 inches sight size. The drawing is a study of a young man under a grid overlay. The depiction and the facial features are well-drawn which gives the hint that this is an academic and talented artist. The style and the mustache are a hint that this drawing was made in the 1930s or 1940s. The grid overlay could be meant as assistance for drawing this portrait as a study and they transmit this motif to an oil painting or perhaps also a mural. Sadly this drawing could be not attributed to a known artist because of its stylistic or other arguments.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 100 to 250 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
