Found this behind an insignificant picture

Category: Fine Art – Drawings & Sketches
Type: Original portrait sketch
Medium: Pencil or charcoal on aged paper (likely pencil based on tonal smoothness and line quality)
Date: Signed and dated 1954
Dimensions (approximate): 13" x 16" (folded) or 15" x 18" (unfolded)
Condition: Excellent for age, with minor edge wear and evidence of historic folding (not currently framed)

Visual & Artistic Analysis:

• The subject is a well-dressed woman with a classic 1950s hairstyle and wardrobe, rendered in delicate, expressive strokes.
• Facial features are finely modeled, suggesting the artist had formal training or at least significant skill in portraiture.
• The paper is slightly yellowed, consistent with natural aging over 70 years.
• The medium is likely graphite pencil, but may include some charcoal shading; a hands-on examination would confirm.

Signature Analysis:

• The piece is signed in the bottom right corner: "Charleston Wilson", followed by what appears to be the year '54.
• As of now, Charleston Wilson does not appear to be a widely documented or listed artist in major auction records or standard databases (e.g., AskArt, Artprice, Artnet), which means the work likely falls into the category of regional or unknown mid-century portraiture.

Historical Context:

• Portrait sketches like this were popular in the 1950s, both for private commissions and commercial purposes (e.g., department stores, boardwalk portraits, etc.).
• The styling of the subject suggests it may have been drawn from life, possibly as a commissioned or romantic portrait.

Condition Summary:

• Excellent overall condition, with some minor wear:
  • Light creasing/folding top and bottom (likely from being stored in a smaller frame)
  • No visible tears, stains, or fading from the photo
  • Retains crisp lines and tonal contrast

Estimated Value (2024):

Market Type

Estimated Value

General decorative art market

$40 – $100 USD

If artist is later identified or becomes known

Potentially higher (research dependent)

Recommendation:

At this time, the piece holds modest decorative and collectible value as an original 1950s portrait sketch. It is ideal for vintage decor enthusiasts, collectors of portraiture, or those interested in mid-century Americana.

To determine if it has greater value, consider:

• Having the signature professionally reviewed (art appraiser or handwriting analyst)
• Searching local or regional art archives for "Charleston Wilson"
• Reframing the piece flat to preserve its condition and present it better for display or sale

A formal appraisal isn’t strictly necessary unless more is discovered about the artist or if you intend to insure the piece.