Hugson Print Appraisal

Stephen Hugson 1979 Drawing/Print: "Lefty + Lou My Prayer The Inkspots on Cotton Row"

This item is a framed artistic rendering, appearing to be a print or drawing created with a blue monochromatic palette, possibly a cyanotype or a similar process, or a blue pencil/ink drawing. The image depicts two male figures, presumably musicians, with one holding what appears to be a stringed instrument (possibly a bass or guitar) and the other a saxophone. The figures are rendered with a somewhat stylized, slightly caricatured quality, characterized by their robust builds. The condition of the artwork itself appears to be good with no obvious tears or significant stains, though the paper may show some age-related toning. There is a visible signature in the lower left corner that reads 'Stephen Hugson '79', indicating it was created in 1979. Below the figures, text is visible, which reads 'Lefty + Lou My Prayer The Inkspots on Cotton Row'. This suggests the subjects are 'Lefty' and 'Lou', performing in the style of 'The Inkspots', possibly at a venue called 'Cotton Row'. The piece is matted with a light grey or off-white mat and framed under glass in a simple, possibly wooden, frame with a dark outer edge and a lighter inner bezel. The glass exhibits some reflections and slight hazing, which is typical for framed pieces. The overall aesthetic is one of a personalized or commemorative piece, capturing a moment or an artistic interpretation of specific individuals and their musical context. The craftsmanship of the drawing itself employs confident lines and shading to define the forms and expressions of the figures. The choice of media and color gives it a distinctive, somewhat antiquated, and artistic charm, evoking a sense of nostalgia.