Josef Presser Mixed Media Drawing on Paper Portrait of Woman

Item Details

A mixed media drawing on paper featuring a portrait of a woman, created by well-listed Polish-born artist Josef Presser (1907-1967). Composed of gouache, charcoal, and conte crayon, this bust portrait features a sketchy three-quarter view of a woman’s head against an orange background. The woman faces to the right with her eyes closed, and wears a blue cloth around her head. The drawing is signed to the lower right, and handwriting to the verso of the drawing reads ‘Actress’. The drawing is presented under glass, double-matted with off-white mats, and housed in a simple reverse cove brown wood frame. A short printed bio of the artist is attached to the verso.

In 1913, Presser emigrated to Boston from Poland, and studied at the Boston Museum Fine Arts School. He earned a living in the 1930s as a WPA muralist after developing concern for the poor during the Great Depression. His work has been exhibited and collected by numerous art institutions including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts among many others.

Condition

- drawing needs placement adjusted in frame; discoloration and foxing throughout matting, especially present to lower left and lower right; scratches, chips, scuffs, stains, and discoloration throughout frame; dirt and residue throughout glass; stains throughout backing; paper remnants throughout verso; tears in cardboard backing; chips, scratches, and stains throughout verso.

Dimensions

- measurement of frame; rabbit size of frame measures approximately 15.5"W x 20"H; visible image measures approximately 7.25"W x 9.5"H.

Item #

17STA017-372