Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man John wayne My very favorite thing about

My very favorite thing about this painting is the last thing I noticed: the completely flattened goat upon which the lion stands

keeping an eye on things

I’ve found a few other of Vytlacil's drawings from the 1970s that very closely align with these

done on ruled paper

but I think I can get it to flatten out pretty well

Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man John wayne My very favorite thing aboutI 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