Vintage Charcoal Portrait Drawing of a Woman With Headband and Swept Curls

Details

Description

An original charcoal portrait drawing on paper by Oklahoma artist and commercial illustrator Donna Foreman Hopper, sourced directly from her … Read more An original charcoal portrait drawing on paper by Oklahoma artist and commercial illustrator Donna Foreman Hopper, sourced directly from her estate in Norman, Oklahoma.

The subject is shown facing right in near profile, her waved hair held by a broad headband and gathered into softly rolled curls. A pointed collar frames her neck, while a shaded backdrop emphasizes the clear outline of her face. Carefully modeled features contrast with expressive strokes through the hair and clothing, giving the portrait both definition and softness.

The monochrome palette and generous paper margins make this an appealing work for a collected gallery wall or an intimate setting above a writing desk, bedside table, or dressing table. A monogram-like mark appears beneath the hair at the lower left of the portrait.

Hopper studied art at Oklahoma State University under Doel Reed and also attended the Kansas City Art Institute. Her career included illustration for Hallmark, fashion advertising artwork for TG&Y, and commercial art for John A. Brown and the Oklahoma Publishing Company. This estate-sourced drawing offers a personal counterpart to her professional work in illustration and advertising.

Provenance: Estate of Donna Foreman Hopper, Norman, Oklahoma.

Offered unframed. Exact creation date unknown, however this piece was in with a large grouping which are dated in the mid 1950s. The signature is with her maiden name, so it is believed it would have been created in the mid-20th century.

Condition: Age-related paper toning, scattered surface marks, and handling wear. Creasing is visible along the lower margin, with minor irregularities and wear to the sheet edges and corners. The reverse shows scattered smudging and marks.

Dimensions:
25.5" Tall
19" Wide See less