Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man union navy rendered in wonderfully bright colors

rendered in wonderfully bright colors and patterns and

He passed away in 1997 at the age of 96

On the cover is a Spencerian drawing of an eagle (the national bird of the United States since 1782) with branch in its mouth

A great example

to the terrific echoing lines of their bodies (and especially those elbows

Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man union navy rendered in wonderfully bright colorsI would guess this sensitive portrait dates to the mid 19th century or so, and appears to be executed in a combination of graphite and ink, with the white looking perhaps to be tempera paint. I take him to be African American, and a very handsome young man, and find in his face a combination of vulnerability and determination that feels very tender and true. Lovely. 6 1 8" x 4 3 8". On card. A bit of paint loss and scattered scuffs and smudges, all to