This Jean Oldham painting appeared as the cover for the April 1928 issue of The Dance magazine, showcasing the Spanish dancer and showgirl Trini in her costume from the Broadway hit “Take the Air.” The now-forgotten star shows off her opulent style and “famous feet” against a Moorish skyline in this art deco jewel of a painting. The Dance was a leading title during the 1920s and 30s, published by the charismatic fitness guru Bernarr MacFadden. The covers were often times masterful and appear on many a pinterest page currently; artists who worked for this title included Alberto Vargas, Carl Link, Jules Cannert and Jean Oldham. The painting has benefited from conservation and cleaning and is framed in a beautiful art deco in aesthetic silver gallery frame and ready to enjoy.
Bernarr Macfadden was an influential American proponent of physical culture, a combination of bodybuilding with nutritional and health theories. He also founded the long-running magazine publishing company Macfadden Publications.