Mid-20th Century Graphite Portrait of a Military Officer

This item is an original graphite or charcoal pencil drawing on paper, depicting a head-and-shoulders portrait of a middle-aged male in a military uniform. The subject is shown in a three-quarter view, featuring short, styled hair and attire consistent with mid-20th-century military dress, including a collared shirt, necktie, and jacket with visible epaulettes and lapel insignia. The drawing utilizes fine hatching and cross-hatching techniques for shading, particularly around the eyes, jawline, and clothing folds, demonstrating a skilled level of Draftsmanship. The artwork is executed on a light-colored, thin paper which has been mounted onto a heavier white backing board using three pieces of adhesive tape. The piece is signed by the artist in the lower right quadrant; though the signature is stylized, it appears to be dated '1944' or a similar year from that era. Condition-wise, the artwork shows significant signs of age and improper storage. Notable issues include a prominent vertical crease along the left side, visible 'foxing' or spotting in the lower left corner, and general yellowing of the paper. There is also a small tear or puncture near the signature and a large folded corner on the mounting board. Traces of ancient adhesive or tape residue are visible at the top of the backing board, suggesting it was once framed or held in a folder. The overall style is reminiscent of wartime personal portraiture common during WWII, often commissioned as mementos for families.