An exceptional, striking original 1991 figurative charcoal drawing on paper by celebrated Colorado avant-garde modernist Ruth Todd (1909-2006). This masterful work features a beautifully rendered, contemplative male figure resting against a chair back, capturing a profound sense of classical form fused with mid-century mood and gestural abstraction.
This piece dates precisely to March 1991, a hallmark year for the artist that coincided with her major career retrospective survey at the Payton Rule Gallery in Denver.

About the Artist:

Ruth Todd was a pioneering force in the mid-century American West art scene. After studying at the prestigious Art Students League in New York City, she moved to Colorado where her career as an Abstract Expressionist flourished under the mentorship of legendary painter Robert Motherwell at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center. Known for her texture-rich avant-garde canvases and boundary-pushing media, Todd enjoyed a heavily decorated career featuring twelve solo exhibitions, representation in over 24 major galleries and museums nationwide, and features in Art News. Her estate and permanent works are proudly held in the collection of the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art in Denver.
This curated, museum-backed piece is an absolute standout addition for high-end residential spaces, collectors of modernist works on paper, or mid-century curated gallery walls. Comes professionally matted and framed under glass in a sleek black profile frame.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Needs Restoration
Condition Notes: Condition Report
* Overall Condition Rating: Very Good (Artistic Integrity Intact)

* Artwork Condition: The original charcoal drawing on paper is in excellent, pristine condition. The medium remains stable and crisp, with no signs of foxing, tearing, fading, or water contact on the artwork itself.

* Matting & Presentation: There is visible water staining/discoloration along the bottom edge of the fabric/paper matting inside the frame. This cosmetic blemish is strictly confined to the peripheral matting border and has not breached or impacted the drawing.

* Frame Condition: The sleek black profile gallery frame is structurally sound and sturdy, showing minor, surface scuffs consistent with age and handling. Protective glass is intact and clear.

PLEASE SEE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THIS PIECE'S CONDITION

Seller's Note for Discerning Buyers:

Because the water damage is entirely isolated to the mat board, this piece is an exceptional candidate for simple remastering. A buyer looking for perfection can easily have a local frame shop swap out the matting for a fresh, clean border while keeping the historical artwork and frame fully intact.

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Art Glass

Details:
Art Subjects: Figure, Nude
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: United States
Frame Type: Framed

Original Condition Unaltered; Needs Restoration; Condition Report
* Overall Condition Rating: Very Good (Artistic Integrity Intact)

* Artwork Condition: The original charcoal drawing on paper is in excellent, pristine condition. The medium remains stable and crisp, with no signs of foxing, tearing, fading, or water contact on the artwork itself.

* Matting & Presentation: There is visible water staining/discoloration along the bottom edge of the fabric/paper matting inside the frame. This cosmetic blemish is strictly confined to the peripheral matting border and has not breached or impacted the drawing.

* Frame Condition: The sleek black profile gallery frame is structurally sound and sturdy, showing minor, surface scuffs consistent with age and handling. Protective glass is intact and clear.

PLEASE SEE PHOTOS FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THIS PIECE'S CONDITION

Seller's Note for Discerning Buyers:

Because the water damage is entirely isolated to the mat board, this piece is an exceptional candidate for simple remastering. A buyer looking for perfection can easily have a local frame shop swap out the matting for a fresh, clean border while keeping the historical artwork and frame fully intact.