Hello, this item is an original 1935 pastel portrait signed J.O. Mauborgne, most likely Joseph Oswald Mauborgne, depicting an Arab male sitter in traditional head covering and blue robe. The client’s suggested identification as Faisal I is plausible from the facial type, dress, and date, but the portrait itself does not name the sitter, so it should be described as “possibly Faisal I” unless confirmed through comparison with a known source image or related documentation. Mauborgne is historically significant as a U.S. Army officer and cryptologist, and he also produced portraits and works on paper, which gives this piece interest beyond decorative value. The typed label on the reverse, stating that the work was gifted by Katherine and Joe Mauborgne in 1963, strengthens the attribution and provides useful provenance.

The pastel appears visually strong, with confident handling of the face, drapery, and color contrasts, though the missing glass cover is important because pastel is a fragile medium and exposed pigment can be easily smudged or abraded. The frame and backing show age, staining, and minor wear, but the visible image area appears generally stable from the photographs. Because Mauborgne’s art market is modest but this piece has direct signature, date, provenance, and possible historical subject interest, the fair market value is $500 - $1,200 USD.