estateRUTH.

Identification

Cindy Lee Oleson 'The Rescue' Drawing (2001)

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

The artwork features a clear, legible signature 'Cindy Lee Oleson', the title 'The Rescue', and a specific date '9-8-2001' in the lower right quadrant. This explicit textual evidence allows for high confidence in the attribution and era.

Story

Original work by Cindy Lee Oleson, dated September 8, 2001. The artist appears to be a contemporary practitioner without a widely tracked secondary auction record. The proximity of the date to September 11th provides a poignant historical coincidence, though it remains a personal narrative rather than documented historical provenance. The secondary market for original drawings by lesser-known contemporary artists is primarily driven by decorative appeal, subject matter, and quality of execution rather than name recognition.

Maker / Origin

Cindy Lee Oleson

Condition & Value

Based on the description, the drawing appears intact, likely protected under glass. However, without dimensions or a clear view of the paper out of the frame, potential issues like foxing, fading, or edge damage cannot be ruled out. The condition of the frame and whether archival materials were used for matting are also unknown.

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 original drawings by lesser-known contemporary artists is primarily driven by decorative appeal, subject matter, and quality of execution rather than name recognition. Expressive figurative works, particularly anatomical studies like hands, maintain a steady niche among collectors of academic and realist art. Prices in this tier are heavily influenced by presentation, such as professional framing and matting.

Value Drivers

▲ Original, signed, and dated artwork provides clear attribution and authenticity.

▲ Expressive, well-executed anatomical subject matter (hands) appeals to a specific collector base.

▲ The poignant date (9-8-2001) adds a unique narrative element that may attract buyers looking for emotionally resonant pieces.

Concerns

▼ Lack of established secondary market demand for the specific artist limits the ceiling price.

▼ Unverified dimensions — if the piece is very small (e. g., under 8x10 inches), the value would skew toward the lower end of the range.

▼ Unverified paper condition — hidden foxing or acid burn from non-archival matting could reduce value.

Best Venue

List on a broad online marketplace like eBay or Etsy, emphasizing the emotional quality of the work, the expressive realism style, and the specific date. Ensure the listing includes accurate dimensions and clear photos of the frame and any visible paper condition. A fixed-price listing around $195 with a 'Best Offer' option is recommended to test the market.

Upside Potential

If the artwork is exceptionally large (e. g., over 18x24 inches) and professionally framed with archival materials, or if the artist has a localized following in a specific region, the piece could push toward the $300-$400 range, closer to the high-end contemporary comparables.

▾

Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 3 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.

  • EBTH
    Anne-Marie Bock Charcoal Drawing of Hands, 2014
    Link could not be verified.
    $83
  • Steve Ko Art Studio
    Figure drawing, 18x24", Charcoal on paper
    Figure drawing, does not specifically focus on hands.
    $65
  • eBay
    Original Art - Hand Sketched - Charcoal on Paper - One of a Kind - Unframed
    Unspecified subject matter; cannot confirm it is a drawing of hands.
    $55