Late Victorian Crayon or Charcoal Portrait Enlargement of a Bearded Man

This is a large-format monochromatic portrait drawing, likely executed in charcoal, crayon, or graphite, common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The subject is a middle-aged male with a receding hairline, prominent mustache, and a full beard, rendered in a realistic, academic style. The technique appears to be a 'solar enlargement' or 'crayon portrait,' where a photograph was lightly projected onto paper and then heavily worked over with charcoal or crayon to create a life-sized, hand-finished appearance. The artwork features soft, blended shading in the background with diagonal light rays, contrasting with the sharp detail in the eyes and beard. The subject wears a dark, high-collared jacket with five visible buttons. The drawing is housed in a contemporary ornate gilded wooden frame featuring a deep-profile cove with acanthus leaf, floral, and repeating geometric molding patterns. The frame exhibits a dusty gold patina consistent with age but appears to be in relatively stable condition. A signature or studio mark is visible in the lower right corner, though the text is partially obscured by the frame glass. Condition of the artwork appears excellent from an ocular inspection, with no visible foxing, water damage, or significant fading, though the paper may show natural yellowing/toning typical of non-acid-free supports of the Victorian era.