Many of you clicking on this wonderful pen-and-ink are probably doing so because you know of Ellsworth Woodward, who with his brother William Woodward around the turn of the 20th century sparked an arts renaissance in the South, the arts and culture in general having been mostly moribund since the dispiriting defeat experienced in the Civil War. I won't bog you down with lots of detail here since all you have to do is Google his name to bring up a wealth of information about him. He is most famous for his leadership of the arts program at Newcomb College in New Orleans, and its famous Newcomb Pottery (these ceramics now bring thousands of dollars - I have sold two Newcomb vases). This drawing is very likely from a sketchbook; it is on paper, mounted to cardboard for stability, which can be trimmed. The paper is not in pristine form, but I personally like the patina of age. I love how Woodward has picked out the woman's hair knot for closer study. Unsigned, but came as part of a portfolio of similar Woodward drawings (some signed) and is DEFINITELY by him.
Marks of aging on paper consistent with age.