Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man cream sculptural thing

sculptural thing

When I found this mug I would have guessed it was made just a few years ago--it's in perfect condition

I can't read more than a few words of German

and I believe dates from the 1930s

with its maker portraying himself legs-up inside of the ink bottle

Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man cream sculptural thingI 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