Vintage double portrait on paper, old pencil drawing signed 1989

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

This old pencil drawing, made on paper, presents two frontal portraits, executed with great mastery of line and nuance. The work shows a man and a woman, each depicted with meticulous attention to anatomical details and the expression of their gaze. Both faces are treated in a realistic style, with white highlights to emphasize volumes and give depth to the features. The person on the left, with short hair, has a serene expression, while the one on the right, with a mustache and glasses, stands out with an upright posture and a penetrating gaze.

The beige paper sheet shows visible signs of wear, including creases, tears at the corners, and a marked patina, testifying to its age. The drawing is held down by stones at the four corners for presentation in the photo, highlighting the fragility and authentic character of the medium. The technique used combines graphite pencil and white highlights, typical of studio portraits or academic studies from the late 20th century.

Two distinct signatures are visible: at the bottom left, a dated mention "14.8.89" accompanied by a barely legible handwritten name; at the bottom right, a more distinct signature, probably that of the artist, without certain identification. No other text or mark is visible on the presented side. The whole is set against a bookshelf background, but only the drawn sheet is part of the sale.

The style of the drawing, the explicit date "1989" and the quality of the paper clearly place this work in the 1980s, a period when academic portraiture saw a renewed interest in certain artistic circles. The slightly yellowed appearance and defects of the paper confirm the age of the medium.

This type of double portrait, executed on the same sheet, is relatively rare and testifies to a thoughtful artistic approach, probably made to order or during a studio exercise. The light contrasts, the details of the clothes, and the subtlety of the modeling demonstrate the hand of an experienced draftsman.

Condition: Second-hand work sold as is. Presence of marked creases, damaged corners, small tears, and general patina over the entire surface. See photos for a precise appreciation of the condition.

Did you know? The pencil portrait with white highlights, also called "three-crayon technique" when it includes sanguine, is a traditional method in European art schools since the Renaissance. It allows for playing on contrasts and giving a striking volume effect, while remaining in a refined monochrome range.

AFW Reassurance: Careful packaging and fast shipping from France. Professional seller specializing in works of art and antique objects.

Keywords: pencil portrait, signed drawing, old portrait, work on paper, double portrait, vintage art, 80s portrait, realistic portrait, academic drawing, old drawing, signed art, portrait study