Deciphering The Signature on Drawing

[DANTE5]

Hi guys,

I'm not sure if you heard about the art heist in Chicago, Ill. last week.  If not, a Picasso print was stolen and it was reported that the thieves probably had no idea of the value.  Due to the fact that it was a print. The curator assumed the theives did not know the print was signed by Picasso which increased the value.  It was a simple looking drawing of a man's head.

 I told you this story to solicit your help on a drawing I have.  This drawing is professionally framed and it measures approximately 23 1/2" x  17 1/2" (drawing only). The writing is large enough to read but I can not make out the name. Once I can determine the artist I'll remove it from frame if necessary and inspect further.  I did however view it with my magnifying glass and to my surprise, NO DOTS!!.

After hearing the Picasso story I decided to research this one.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[mart]

Is it under glass ??   Looks like  a pen and ink/watercolor combo !!  Its a limited edition print !!  You may have to take it out of the frame to see if its artist signed !!  One is ink and one is pencil with the edition number !!  The one in ink may be the name of the print !!  I thought it looked like "Four Pillars" but will look again tomorrow !!

[KC]

Looks like Four Pillars to me as well.  Can't make out artist's name...

[DANTE5]

Mart....Yes it is under glass, professionally framed.  It appears to be a pen, ink wash drawing.  I believe you guys are on target about the "Four Pillars".  That also helps me. Thanks.

[Rauville]

And I see a stylized "John P____?". I wonder what the sketch is of, or where?

[DANTE5]

Rauville, I'm not sure of location of image.  I found at Goodwill in Georgia (USA).  I was thinking signature last name Dre.......  First part looks to me to begin with an "A".  But a stylized "J" for John possibly.  Thanks.

[DANTE5]

Rauville....Looking closer, I can now see The "P" in last name..Thanks.

[SophieMarie]

Ok, so correct me if I am mistaken!

Mart and KC:  You are looking the black writing when you see "Four Pillars"?

Dantes and Rauville:  You are also looking at the writing in black and seeing possibly "John P...."?

[DANTE5]

Hi SophieMarie...Thank s for chiming in .  The image itself is what Mart and KC is calling the "Four Pillars".  The signature on the bottom right is written in both black ink and silver ink.  It should be the same name signed with the two ink types. (seeing the John P..... possibly).

[mart]

The "Four Pillars" is in the black ink !!  The name is the other one !!  There is a P in it !!  The name sort of runs together but the last name begins with a P !! Think you said it was silver but looks like pencil on my computer !!

[DANTE5]

Mart.....I am way off base!!  I was thinking when Four Pillars was mentioned it was describing the image.  I did not realize you guys were talking about the signature.  It is grayish/silver ink ,it's not pencil. I was thinking the artist original signature was in black and signed again and numbered with the grayish ink???

[mart]

I may be way off base but thats what it looks like to me !!  The name in silver looks like it starts with a D,,Dan P_____ !!  I have looked and can not make it out !!  He must have been a doctor !!  Can`t read their writing either !!

[DANTE5]

Bump.....I saw Ipcress chimed in the other day....

[mart]

Send him a PM and ask him to look at it !!  I still do  not know !!

[DANTE5]

Thanks Mart.  Will do.