Pair of Original Signed 1967 Charcoal Portrait Drawings | The French Peasant and Gentleman

A pair of fascinating and expressive original mid-century portrait studies, done in charcoal and white chalk on a warm-toned paper. One depicts a rather weathered (apologies to this old gent), bearded man with an inscription of 'A French peasant' on the reverse. The other shows a fella in a hat with an impressive and distinctive moustache. You cannot help but imagine the lives of these two separate individuals, and the sketches are very emotive.

Interestingly, the provenance of these drawings is somewhat of a mystery, though not without clues. Each piece is dated 1967 and signed 'Barbara J.' followed by an indistinct surname. We have not been able to conclusively figure out the surname or pin down the actual artist, though are still looking. There is a lovely personal dedication on the back of one that says 'To Gerald and Peggy, with fondest love from Barbie' which shows they were a beautiful gift to friends or family.

However, the reverse bears a label from the picture department of the historical T. Eaton Co in Toronto, once the largest department store in Canada. We are unsure if they sold the artwork or simply framed the pieces. There is a sticker with the name and address of a Mrs Patrick L. Neely of Bay St Louis in Mississippi, so we assume that's where they were being sent. Her precise connection is unknown.

We have no idea how they ended up in England, but they are clearly rich with adventure and history. Sold as a pair as we feel, after all this time, it would be wrong to separate them.

Size: 22" x 16.5" each

Condition: The frames and mounts display age-related wear, with some discolouration and wear to the mounts. The drawing appear to be preserved well beneath the glass, though have not been examined behind their frames.