Pen Drawing Appraisal

Framed Ink Pen Drawing of a Victorian House

This item is a framed fine-line ink pen drawing depicting a highly detailed Victorian-style house, likely executed on white or off-white paper. The drawing showcases intricate architectural features characteristic of the Victorian era, including multiple gables with decorative bargeboards, patterned shingle work on the roofs (some with fish-scale patterns), turret structures, and ornate facade elements such as relief carvings above windows and textured brickwork or siding. The composition focuses on a single, imposing house viewed from an oblique angle, highlighting its complex silhouette and various projections. One prominent feature is a large, multi-tiered cupola or dome-like structure rising from the left side of the house, indicating a significant and perhaps grander residence. Another notable element is a conical turret with a finial on the right side. The drawing technique employs fine black ink lines, cross-hatching, and stippling to create depth, shadow, and texture on the building's surfaces. The overall impression is one of meticulous craftsmanship and attention to architectural detail. In the lower left corner, faint handwritten text is visible, which appears to include 'San Jose' and 'Mark Abbott Magee'. In the lower right, there is more handwritten text, part of which reads 'The Percy & Maude H______ House, San Jose California'. This text provides a strong indication of the subject's location and possibly its name, suggesting it might be a specific historical house. The drawing is housed within a simple, dark-colored frame, possibly wood or metal, which has a matte or slightly reflective finish. The glass covering the drawing exhibits reflections from its surroundings, including what appears to be a window and a shadow of a person, indicating it is currently in a room with natural light. The condition of the drawing itself appears good, with no obvious tears, creases, or major discoloration visible through the glass, though detailed inspection would require removal from the frame. The frame itself shows minimal wear. The style suggests it could be from the late 20th century, perhaps a commissioned or commemorative piece.