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Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Frankart and Leone Osborne

Frankart Inc. was a New York City-based maker of mass-produced lamps, ashtrays, bookends, vases, etc. The Frankart company started production in 1922, though founder and artist Arthur von Frankenberg began creating pieces as early as 1920. Most well-known for items incorporating slim, nude women finished in green or bronze, Frankart has became synonymous with American Art Deco “femme fatale” statuary, the incorporation of the risque deco aesthetic into the utilitarian objects of modern life.

Frankart Bookends
Frankart Bookends

The story is Frankenberg’s sculptural idea emerged from a studio session with model Leone Osborne. A guest required an ashtray, so Osborne grabbed a large bronze bowl to use for the ashes. Frankenberg so loved the proportions and functionality of the pose he scrapped his other work and began modeling Osborne as a miniature ashtray, the first Frankart piece. He continued to use Osborne as the model for the rest of the Frankart nudes. Though nude women were the company’s most popular designs, Frankart also produced figures of men and animals. 

Frankart and Leone Osborne

Filed Under: Gallery Blog

Added to Gallery: June 8, 2012

 

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    About Grapefruit Moon Gallery

    Grapefruit Moon Gallery, based in Minneapolis MN, specializes in vintage pin up and original illustration art.  We are the proud home of the Bunny Yeager archives.

    Since 2003, Grapefruit Moon Gallery has been a leading dealer of exclusive original paintings by Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas, Earl Moran, Rolf Armstrong and Henry Clive, as well as vintage photographs, prints, and period decorative arts in ceramic and metal.

    All artworks featured are original, accurately represented, and guaranteed to be the work of the named artist.

    Interested buyers may view pieces by appointment and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. [Contact Us]

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