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Title: Antique 19th-Century Victorian Crayon Portrait – Charcoal & Pastel Drawing of a Gentleman in Original Gilt-Lined Frame
Era: Late 19th Century (c. 1880s–1890s)
Medium: Crayon/Charcoal/Pastel over Solar Photographic Enlargement
Framing: Swasey\'s Pictures & Framing, Berkeley, California (Original Label)
Dimensions: Frame measures approximately 21\" Wide x 25\" TallDescription:
Available for purchase is a beautiful, striking example of an authentic late 19th-century American crayon portrait depicting a distinguished Victorian gentleman. This specialized antique medium represents an early hybrid art form where a small vintage photograph was mechanically enlarged onto paper and then meticulously finished by hand. The artist utilized charcoal, graphite, and pastel to create deep, velvety blacks in the coat, intricate detail in the hair, and smooth, realistic skin tones.The subject features a classic Victorian chin-curtain beard and formal attire. The portrait is housed in its original period wood frame featuring a prominent, aged gilt inner liner and its original wide oval display matting.Provenance & Local Interest:
The reverse retains its rare, original black-and-gold paper merchant label from \"Swasey\'s Pictures-Framing / Gilding / Artists\' Materials\" located at 2285 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, Calif. This label provides wonderful historical context and geographical provenance, rooting the piece in the late 19th-century history of the San Francisco Bay Area.A premier decor piece for collectors of Victorian Americana, early photographic history, or Northern California regional antiques.Condition Report:
Please review the high-resolution photos closely to appreciate its authentic antique character:Artwork: The portrait itself is in remarkable condition for its age. The paper remains flat and light with minimal, uniform age-toning. There are no apparent tears or heavy stains across the central image.Frame: The solid wood frame has an incredible, untouched antique patina with honest edge wear, minor surface scuffs, and small dings to the finish that highlight its 100+ year history. The glass is intact.Reverse: The original brown paper dust backing has torn away over time around the edges, exposing the historical wood slats underneath, but the original Swasey\'s merchant label remains perfectly intact and highly legible. The original heavy hanging wire is still securely attached.
