The D. Bertholf Auction: Tractors, Implements, Guns, Stoneware and Artwork
Lot 627:
Description
Paul Sawyier (American, 1865-1917), The Rock Breaker. This charcoal and pastel drawing on tan toned paper features a bust-length portrait of an African American man in three-quarter profile. The subject, known as the Rock Breaker, is depicted wearing a textured fur cap and a dark collared shirt with light-colored suspenders. The portrait is executed with fine charcoal detail in the facial features and clothing, while the background is accented with expressive strokes of blue and white pastel. The work is signed and dated in charcoal at the upper left: Paul Sawyier / May 26th, 1902. It is presented in a double mat with an inner brown border and an outer tan mat, housed within a molded wood frame featuring a gilded inner lip.
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