Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man cream When I found this mug

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

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

making me think whoever made this was an artist of note

The lost includes exactly what you see

and I believe dates from the 1930s

Ink/Tempera and Graphite Portrait of Presumed African American Young Man cream When I found this mugI 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