Pastel charcoal drawing singed and dated Housley 1946
An original pastel and charcoal sketch on light olive green wove paper, signed "Housley," dated 1946 depicting a woman in profile in period dress. Housed in a simple mahogany frame. This is one of Housley's more Condition: very good, some scratches and general wear to the frame. Size: 10”x 13” olive green wove paper drawning 14 3/4 x 11 3/4" at the frame
10”x13” green woven paper drawing 14 3/4” x 11 3/4” at frame
Other
Yes
Hello Tiffany,
Thank you very much for submitting your artwork for an appraisal and for your patience!
The presented object appears to be a charcoal and pastel portrait on paper, which depicts a young woman in profile. It measures approximately 10 x 13 inches, is signed "Housley" and dated "1946" at the bottom right corner of the composition. The artwork is framed and looks to be in good condition.
Though there is not a lot of information available about this artist, it looks like he was active around Atlantic City, New Jersey and that he taught some art classes at the Atlantic City Art League in 1941: https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-of-atlantic-city-1941-artist-did-p/136312072/
A few of his portraits have turned up at auction in recent years:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/152787286_female-portrait-pastel-drawing-by-robert-housley
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/171360135_framed-drawing-by-robert-w-housley-wooden-frame
Unfortunately, the demand for his work doesn't appear to be particularly high, so I would estimate the current fair market value at $20 to 50, though I have seen at least one of his works listed on eBay for $100+, so retail and asking prices do vary.
If you have any questions about my valuation, please let me know in the comments section below. Thank you again for your submission and I hope that you have a lovely day!
Kind regards,
Anne
Paul Housley was that artist.
Paul Housley was that artist. I think it’s r.w hourly though by researching signatures and comparing them myslef
Paul Housley was that artist. I think it’s r.w hourly though by researching signatures and comparing them myslef
*housley
Hello Tiffany,
I'm afraid that I disagree with you on this attribution. The signature is not always the best indication of authorship and if you look at the style of the works created by Robert W. Housley, they are a clear match to your portrait:
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/152787286_female-portrait-pastel-drawing-by-robert-housley
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/171360135_framed-drawing-by-robert-w-housley-wooden-frame
Most of the works that I've seen by Paul Housley are signed "PH" and are very vibrant and abstract. Robert W. Housley signs "Housley" with the date and there have been several realistic portraits of young women in 1940s attire -- very similar to your work -- attributed to him.
Best regards,
Anne
I agree with you. I was just telling yoo what I found and why I paid you to answer the question. Thank you very much
Understood. Thank you, Tiffany!
I found a Housley in Britain that may be the artist. Is this the same artist you refer to?