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Identification

Framed Pastel or Charcoal Portrait of an Elderly Woman by McAllister

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The artwork is a framed portrait of an elderly woman in profile, executed in what appears to be pastel or charcoal with white highlights on toned paper. It is signed vertically 'McAllister' in the lower left.

Story

The artwork is signed 'McAllister' and executed in a late 20th-century realist style. The subject and execution strongly suggest the work of Pat McAllister, a contemporary artist known for Native American and Western portraits, though Sandra McAllister is another plausible late 20th-century pastel artist. Pending a definitive signature match, the work is evaluated as a late 20th-century regional portrait. The secondary market for late 20th-century regional realism and Western/Native American portraits is highly stratified by medium.

Maker / Origin

McAllister

Condition & Value

Based on the visible photograph, the artwork appears to be in stable condition, protected under glass with no obvious signs of moisture damage, foxing, or tearing to the paper support.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for late 20th-century regional realism and Western/Native American portraits is highly stratified by medium. Major oil paintings by recognized regional artists can achieve low four-figure sums at specialized auctions. However, works on paper—such as pastels, charcoals, and watercolors—typically trade in a much more accessible tier, appealing primarily to decorative buyers and regional collectors. Liquidity for works on paper is moderate, with most sales occurring between $150 and $300.

Value Drivers

▲ Original work on paper (pastel/charcoal) rather than a mechanical reproduction.

▲ Appealing realist portraiture with strong decorative value.

▲ Presented in a complete, ready-to-hang framed state under glass.

Concerns

▼ Unverified exact attribution — a close-up of the signature is needed to definitively confirm the specific artist (e. g., Pat McAllister).

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the work is a miniature rather than a standard cabinet size, the estimate would adjust downward.

▼ Unverified verso — missing exhibition labels or artist inscriptions limits provenance premiums.

Best Venue

Given the estimated value for works on paper by this artist, this piece is best suited for a regional auction house specializing in Western or contemporary art, or direct-to-consumer online platforms targeting decorative buyers. To maximize return, confirm the exact dimensions and provide a clear close-up of the signature to definitively attribute the work.

Upside Potential

If the artwork is exceptionally large (e. g., over 24 inches) or if verso documentation links it to a major gallery exhibition for Pat McAllister, the value could push toward the $400-$500 range, though it will remain below her $1,000+ oil-on-canvas tier.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 7 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • James Adam & Sons· 2006-01-01
    Moyney Point Mayo
    Landscape painting by Pat MacAllister; different subject matter.
    $2,755
  • Quinn's Auction Galleries· 2013-11-16
    Portrait of an elderly woman
    Different artist (Glenn Cooper Henshaw).
    $400
  • O'Gallerie· 2021-06-08
    Wisdom of the Ages, portrait of a Native American figure
    Link could not be verified.
    $183
  • Etsy
    1998 LOOK FOR ME by Pat McAllister Native American Spiritual Art, Signed Numbered Inscription Included
    Signed and numbered, indicating a print rather than an original.
    $75
  • Miss Lilly's Estate Sale Services· 2021-09-28
    Native American Art Crow Trilogy Pat McAllister signed and numbered Print
    Signed and numbered print, whereas the subject is an original drawing/painting.
    $52
  • EJ'S Auction & Appraisal· 2015-01-31
    Patricia Mcallister Signed Print #183/250
    Signed print, whereas the subject is an original drawing/painting.
    $40
  • Invaluable· 2017-03-20
    Pat McAllister Untitled, Native Man Watercolor
    Link could not be verified.
    $10