Framed Drawing Appraisal

Framed Ballerina Figurative Drawing

The item is a framed original artwork, likely a pastel or charcoal drawing, depicting a ballerina in a classical pose. The ballerina is rendered with dark, possibly brown or black, hair pulled back into a bun, and a lithe figure. Her skin tone is depicted with warm, reddish-brown hues, giving the impression of strong lighting or a specific artistic style. She wears a light yellow or cream-colored classical ballet tutu with a fitted bodice and a full, layered skirt that appears to have movement. Her left leg is extended behind her, with her foot en pointe, while her right leg is bent forward, foot flat on the ground, suggesting a transition in movement. Her arms are gracefully positioned, with her left arm slightly extended forward and her right arm raised and bent at the elbow. The background is a minimalist, light gray or off-white, allowing the figure to stand out. There is what appears to be a signature in the lower right corner, though it is not clearly legible from the image. The artwork is housed within a dark brown wooden frame, possibly walnut or mahogany, with a slightly lighter, perhaps gold or silver, inner fillet that acts as a border between the artwork and the frame itself. A brown mat board surrounds the artwork, providing visual separation and depth. A notable condition issue is a clear plastic film or tear in the protective covering over the top left portion of the artwork, which may be part of the packaging or a damaged protective layer. There are also reflections visible on the glass or protective layer, indicating the presence of a covering. The artwork suggests a mid to late 20th-century style, characterized by a focus on figure study and expressive brushwork.