Young Boy Portrait Appraisal

Oil Painting: Portrait of a Young Boy with Bowl Cut

This item is an oil painting depicting a portrait of a young boy against a dark green background. The boy has shoulder-length, golden-brown hair styled in a distinctive bowl cut, completely covering his forehead. His face is pale with rosy cheeks and lips, and he has large, light blue eyes with noticeable dark circles underneath. There are faint indications of freckles on his nose and cheeks. He is wearing a light-colored, possibly off-white or light grey, long-sleeved sweater with a ribbed crew neck. The brushstrokes appear visible, suggesting an impasto technique in areas, particularly in the hair and sweater. The overall style is realistic but with a slightly softer, almost idealized quality. The painting is framed in a prominent gold-colored wooden frame with a decorative inner lip and a wider, slightly textured outer section. The frame itself shows some signs of wear and possibly minor damage, such as scuffs or chips, consistent with age and handling. There appears to be a signature in the lower right corner, which reads 'Costello' or a similar variant. The condition of the painting itself seems fair, with some visible dust or minor surface imperfections, and possibly subtle discoloration due to age. There are what look like a few small indentations or marks on the dark green background, visible above the boy's head. The aesthetics suggest a mid-20th century style, possibly dating from the 1950s to 1970s. The craftsmanship of the painting appears competent, capturing the innocence of childhood. The framing is robust and commensurate with the artwork.