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Mid-20th Century Figurative Ink Drawing Signed Elizabeth English Pen and ink on paper Circa 1950–1970

Description

This is an original pen-and-ink drawing, likely mid-20th century, signed “Elizabeth English.”

It is not a print, not a reproduction, and not decorative hobby art. The line work alone rules that out. Whoever made this could draw. Annoyingly well.

It is also not a known, cataloged artist in the fine-art market. No auction records, no institutional trail, no gallery history

• Medium: Pen and ink
• Support: Likely wove paper, mid-century quality
• Technique: Confident continuous line, controlled cross-hatching, layered figures and mechanical forms
• Condition:
• Age toning
• Light foxing
• Old pressure creases
• Non-archival backing and tape
• The imagery is surreal, figurative, and slightly grotesque
• Human forms entangled with a wheel / machine / bicycle-like structure
• Feels psychologically loaded, not illustrative
• Stylistic echoes:
• Jean Dubuffet (outsider-leaning line confidence)
• Saul Steinberg (mechanical absurdity)
• Post-war existential drawing traditions

This is not polite art. It’s not trying to be liked.
• Simple black frame
• Old mat
• Dust cover and tape consistent with 1950s–1970s framing practices
• No modern foam core

Category Paintings
Condition Good
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💰 Estimated Value

$100 - $300

Confidence: 60%

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