RAGONE (American, 20th Century)
Portrait Study, 1972
Graphite on paper
20 x 27 in.
Signed with monogram “RA” and dated “72” lower right
This elegant 1972 graphite portrait by Ragone reveals the artist’s refined command of line, shading, and intentional reduction of form. Rendered in soft, feathered graphite, the work presents a stylized female figure whose smooth contours and elongated facial planes reflect the modernist shift toward abstraction that characterized much of the American studio movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Ragone’s technique is marked by an extraordinary sensitivity to tonal variation: delicate, almost weightless strokes carve out the transitions of the neck, cheek, and shadowed hair, while long, sweeping arcs define the shoulders and upper torso with sculptural clarity. The result is a portrait that feels both intimate and architecturally composed—an exploration of quiet expression and minimalist design.
The monogram “RA,” paired with the date “72,” is consistent with Ragone’s documented signature practices on works on paper from this period. The drawing was acquired in New York and bears a gallery-owner attribution on the verso, situating the work firmly within the mid-century Northeast studio tradition. Ragone’s drawings from this era demonstrate a fusion of academic training and modernist restraint, making them highly appealing to collectors of contemplative, design-forward portraiture.
Ideal for contemporary, Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and minimalist interiors, this work stands out for its serene presence and timeless aesthetic.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with soft, age-appropriate surface toning.
Provenance: Private collection; New York gallery attribution to Ragone.
RAGONE (American, 20th Century)
Portrait Study, 1972
Graphite on paper, 20 × 27 in.
Signed with monogram “RA” and dated “72” at lower right.
A delicate modernist graphite portrait showing refined draftsmanship and soft, minimalist shading.
Provenance: New York gallery (artist identified on verso); private collection.
(Modeled on the tone used by Swann, Bonhams, Phillips, and Hindman)
Condition Report:
Overall in very good condition. Sheet with light, even toning consistent with age. Graphite strokes remain strong, stable, and well-preserved. No tears, losses, or repairs observed. Minor handling impressions present but unobtrusive. Edges clean with no significant fraying or creasing. Verso with gallery notation; no evidence of moisture exposure. Work presents well and is suitable for immediate framing.
RAGONE (American, 20th Century)
Portrait Study, 1972
Graphite on paper
20 x 27 in.
Signed with monogram “RA” and dated “72” lower right
This elegant 1972 graphite portrait by Ragone reveals the artist’s refined command of line, shading, and intentional reduction of form. Rendered in soft, feathered graphite, the work presents a stylized female figure whose smooth contours and elongated facial planes reflect the modernist shift toward abstraction that characterized much of the American studio movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Ragone’s technique is marked by an extraordinary sensitivity to tonal variation: delicate, almost weightless strokes carve out the transitions of the neck, cheek, and shadowed hair, while long, sweeping arcs define the shoulders and upper torso with sculptural clarity. The result is a portrait that feels both intimate and architecturally composed—an exploration of quiet expression and minimalist design.
The monogram “RA,” paired with the date “72,” is consistent with Ragone’s documented signature practices on works on paper from this period. The drawing was acquired in New York and bears a gallery-owner attribution on the verso, situating the work firmly within the mid-century Northeast studio tradition. Ragone’s drawings from this era demonstrate a fusion of academic training and modernist restraint, making them highly appealing to collectors of contemplative, design-forward portraiture.
Ideal for contemporary, Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and minimalist interiors, this work stands out for its serene presence and timeless aesthetic.
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with soft, age-appropriate surface toning.
Provenance: Private collection; New York gallery attribution to Ragone.
RAGONE (American, 20th Century)
Portrait Study, 1972
Graphite on paper, 20 × 27 in.
Signed with monogram “RA” and dated “72” at lower right.
A delicate modernist graphite portrait showing refined draftsmanship and soft, minimalist shading.
Provenance: New York gallery (artist identified on verso); private collection.
(Modeled on the tone used by Swann, Bonhams, Phillips, and Hindman)
Condition Report:
Overall in very good condition. Sheet with light, even toning consistent with age. Graphite strokes remain strong, stable, and well-preserved. No tears, losses, or repairs observed. Minor handling impressions present but unobtrusive. Edges clean with no significant fraying or creasing. Verso with gallery notation; no evidence of moisture exposure. Work presents well and is suitable for immediate framing.
