Illustration Signature Appraisal

Pencil Sketch of a Young Girl with 'Wyeth' Signature

This item is a framed pencil sketch on what appears to be a light-toned, possibly off-white, paper or thin cardstock. The sketch depicts a head-and-shoulders portrait of a young girl with a soft gaze, facing slightly to the viewer's right. Her hair is rendered with loose, soft strokes, suggesting a bob or short cut with bangs. The facial features are delicately drawn, with particular attention to the eyes and mouth, conveying a gentle expression. The lines used are primarily soft graphite or pencil, with varying degrees of pressure to create shading and definition, particularly around the eyes, nose, and chin. The overall style is illustrative and appears to be a quick study or sketch rather than a highly finished portrait. One of the most notable features is the signature 'Wyeth' in distinct cursive handwriting located at the bottom right corner of the drawing. This signature, if authentic, could be a critical indicator of the artwork's provenance and value. The paper itself shows signs of age and handling, with some visible creasing, particularly a slightly sharp fold or crease running vertically along the left side. There are also faint smudges or subtle discoloration visible across the paper, consistent with natural aging and handling of graphite drawings. The edges of the paper appear unevenly cut or possibly torn, suggesting it might have been removed from a sketchbook or larger sheet. The drawing is currently housed within a simple, narrow metal frame with a somewhat ornate, possibly textured, border visible on the left side of the image, holding a glass or acrylic cover over the artwork. This framing suggests the piece has been considered a worthy art object. The apparent age of the sketch, based on the paper's condition and drawing style, could be mid-20th century or earlier. The craftsmanship, while appearing to be a sketch, demonstrates skilled hand-drawing technique and an understanding of human proportion and expression.