Early Graphite Folk Art Portrait, Framed long whimsy chain he in a big hat

he in a big hat

these have an older Bennington mark

appearing never to have been used or worn

Definitely these are pretty early

and there is just a little warping to the wood of the lid

Early Graphite Folk Art Portrait, Framed long whimsy chain he in a big hatI fell in love with this antique folk art graphite portrait immediately upon sight; wonderful androgynous face with great round chin, book (Bible I assume) held in lovely long fingers, and these great billowing sleeves. At first I thought perhaps a young priest, but then it looks to be a shawl draped around the shoulders, and while earrings were worn by certain men of a certain rank (or pirates!), particularly in Europe, I think this is more likely a