Charcoal portrait signed 'R. LANZA'

This is a detailed monochromatic portrait drawing executed in charcoal or graphite on paper, depicting a close-up, upward-angle view of a bald man wearing thick black-framed eyeglasses. The subject features a prominent, styled mustache and a full, dense beard rendered with fine stroke work to show texture in the facial hair. The lighting creates subtle highlights across the forehead, nose, and cheeks, contrasted against a soft, gradient gray background. The drawing is rendered in a realistic, illustrative style with careful attention to skin texture, wrinkles, and the reflective surfaces of the spectacles. In the lower left area, there is an embossed or subtly stamped cipher alongside a partially legible mark reading 'R. LANZA', while a distinct signature reading 'R. LANZA' is hand-written along the neckline of the subject's white t-shirt. The overall condition appears clean and well-preserved with sharp contrasts and no obvious foxing, tears, or major surface damage visible in the image. The attribution in the name rests purely on the visible signature located on the collar. The artwork demonstrates a high level of draftsmanship and technical control over value graduation, consistent with contemporary portraiture techniques.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, this is a detailed monochromatic portrait drawing executed in charcoal or graphite on paper, depicting a close-up of a bearded man wearing thick eyeglasses. The drawing bears a handwritten signature reading 'R. LANZA' along the neckline, alongside a subtle embossed cipher. The draftsmanship demonstrates a high level of technical control over value graduation and realistic skin textures. Based on this assumed attribution and assuming the work is an autograph drawing by the hand of the named artist, an estimated market value in the $400 to $800 range is appropriate for a contemporary portrait of this quality and medium. However, I cannot verify from a photo alone whether the signature is contemporary to the work or if the drawing is an autonomous original rather than a skillful study or replica. A physical inspection to confirm paper quality, medium application, and signatures would be needed to fully evaluate the piece. General market demand for contemporary realist portrait drawings on paper remains modest yet steady among collectors of modern figurative works. If this piece were determined to be a copy, reproduction, or produced 'in the style of' rather than an original work by the referenced hand, the value would be adjusted downward significantly, typically resting closer to $50 to $150 purely as a decorative illustrative work. To achieve a more solid valuation, in-person examination by a qualified paper conservator and comprehensive research into the output of the referenced artist would be required.