This is rare signed red chalk drawing by the Dutch artist Johannes Rijnbout.
It is signed by the artist in pencil or soft black chalk, bottom right: Joh. Rijnbout.
I think that this relates to the artist Johannes Everhardus Rijnboutt (1839 - 1900) rather than to that of his uncle the celebrated sculptor, Johannes Rijnbout (1800 - 1868). The subject seems more suited to being the work of the nephew.
It is hard to decide with all certainty which artist was the author of this fine red chalk study.
The uncle: Johannes Rijnbout was born in Utrecht about 1800. His father was a woodcarver and sculptor (1767 - 1823) and he probably received his early artistic training from his father. He started working as an ornament cutter and then as a sculptor. He was also a teacher at the Satdstekenschool from 1852 - so this might be a drawing he made here when taking life drawing classes. He was best known for his sculptures which he made for a variety of public buildings and churches in the Netherlands - and was a member of the Genootschap Kunstl Liefde.
The nephew: (who I think is more probably the author of this figure study) shared a name with his uncle but is distinguished by the addition of a middle name: Johannes Everhardus Rijnbout (1839-1900).
He was born in Utrecht in 1839. He was a pupil of the City Drawing School in Utrecht which was located in the Arts and Sciences building at the Mariaplaats. He received awards for his drawing work. In 1863, he studied for some time at the Kunstacademie Dusseldorf (where I think this work might have been drawn).
In 1868 he was a drawing teacher at the new Rijks Hogere Burgerschook in Assen. He died at the age of 61. Examples of his work are in the Centraal Museum and in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
This drawing is very carefully observed and features a young peasant boy in a static pose. He is shown holding a long pole or staff - and his other hand rests on top of a tall block which has lightly been sketched in. It is a typical pose that you might find in a life drawing class.
It is a very fine study showing great draughtsmanship skills - and as you can see from my photographs - all the details are carefully observed, and the handling of the red chalk is masterful.
I have had it recently reframed and with a new window mount - so it is also beautifully presented. The frame is a simple light oak one - similar to those used in the British Museum to exhibit their drawings to the public.
The image measures: 28.5 x 16.5 cm. Frame size: 41 x 26.5 cm.
Regardless of the author of this attractive study - it is a fine drawing and on offer at a very fair price.