Etsy Clown Painting Appraisal

Vintage Framed Sad Clown Portrait Painting

This item is an original portrait painting of a 'sad clown,' a popular motif in mid-20th-century art. The painting features a figure with traditional white-face makeup, a red bulbous nose, and an exaggerated downturned red mouth, set against a dark, shadowy background and voluminous dark hair. The medium appears to be watercolor or gouache on paper, showing soft blending in the face and visible brushstrokes in the costume and background. It is housed in a simple, dark-stained wood or composite frame with a neutral-colored mat that shows some visible spotting or foxing along the lower edge. Notable markings include a signature in the lower right corner, which appears to read 'Diana Carter' or similar. The artwork reflects the expressive, melancholic style of mid-century kitsch or amateur portraiture, likely dating from the 1960s to 1970s. Condition-wise, the frame displays surface wear and dust, while the matting reveals some discoloration and potential moisture damage at the base. The paper of the artwork itself seems relatively stable, though it may have some slight yellowing due to age. The craftsmanship suggests a dedicated student or hobbyist artist of the period.