Original Ink Wash Painting of a Double Bass Player, Signed 'Miles Davis'
Fine Art - Paintings and Drawings

Original Ink Wash Painting of a Double Bass Player, Signed 'Miles Davis'

This original work of art is an expressive ink wash or watercolor painting on heavy-weight, off-white textured paper. The composition depicts a silhouetted figure in profile, playing a double bass. The technique utilizes varying tonal values of sepia or monochromatic brown ink, ranging from light translucent washes to deep, saturated pigments, suggesting form and movement through a gestural 'sumi-e' style. The figure is rendered with broad, confident strokes, capturing the essence of a jazz musician. A notable feature is the vertically oriented signature on the lower right-hand side, which appears to read 'Miles Davis,' suggesting the piece may be attributed to the legendary jazz trumpeter and visual artist. The paper shows slight natural undulation and a clean, uncropped edge, indicating it has not been framed. There are no visible signs of foxing, staining, or tears, though the lower left corner shows very slight softening. The style is mid-to-late 20th-century expressionism, consistent with Davis's known aesthetic preference for bold lines and minimalist figural representations. The craftsmanship displays a high level of spontaneity and control, characteristic of a practiced hand comfortable with fluid media. The piece is a significant example of celebrity artwork, blending the worlds of music and visual art.

Estimated Value

$4,000 - $6,000

Basic Information

Category

Fine Art - Paintings and Drawings

Appraised On

May 11, 2026

Estimated Value

$4,000 - $6,000

Item Description

This original work of art is an expressive ink wash or watercolor painting on heavy-weight, off-white textured paper. The composition depicts a silhouetted figure in profile, playing a double bass. The technique utilizes varying tonal values of sepia or monochromatic brown ink, ranging from light translucent washes to deep, saturated pigments, suggesting form and movement through a gestural 'sumi-e' style. The figure is rendered with broad, confident strokes, capturing the essence of a jazz musician. A notable feature is the vertically oriented signature on the lower right-hand side, which appears to read 'Miles Davis,' suggesting the piece may be attributed to the legendary jazz trumpeter and visual artist. The paper shows slight natural undulation and a clean, uncropped edge, indicating it has not been framed. There are no visible signs of foxing, staining, or tears, though the lower left corner shows very slight softening. The style is mid-to-late 20th-century expressionism, consistent with Davis's known aesthetic preference for bold lines and minimalist figural representations. The craftsmanship displays a high level of spontaneity and control, characteristic of a practiced hand comfortable with fluid media. The piece is a significant example of celebrity artwork, blending the worlds of music and visual art.

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