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Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Sorry, It's Sold

Wild Body

Artist:Howard Purcell
Date:1953
Medium:Gouache on Illustration Board
Dimensions:Sight Size 18" x 25 1/2" Framed 25" x 32"
Condition:Excellent
Original Use:Paperback cover art for Wild Body, Uni-Book #53
Price: Sold
Full view
Full view
The illustration as it appeared in publication (included in sale)
The illustration as published
Framed and silk matted under glass view
Framed and silk matted under glass view

Large, dramatically lit, and alluring, this gouache on illustration board painting by Howard Purcell was created as cover art in 1953 for the digest novel Wild Body by Manning Clay, which told “the intimate story of a modern Salome–who tried to shed the seventh veil.” The scene shows Valerie, a pretty albeit tired burlesque dancer between shows, deep in thought and seemingly full of ambivalence about the man standing over her and recent life choices, this work registers an emotional scope and purpose that is really remarkable. According to the publisher’s slug copy Valerie’s “beauty was her curse…she danced to the devil’s own rhythm.” This is truly evocative and powerful–a departure for Purcell, who today is primarily remembered as a comic book illustrator, and the cover artist for Green Lantern #1.

Nicely framed and ready to display, a high grade complete edition is included in the sale.

PROVENANCE:
Previously in the Estate of Charles Martignette.

Detail
Detail
Verso view before framing
Verso view before framing
Verso notations identifying artist
Verso notations identifying artist
Back cover of paperback with publishers text slug
Back cover of paperback with lurid slug copy

Wild Body

Artist: Howard Purcell
Price:  Sold

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1950s, Charles Martignette, erotic, glamour, Golden Age, Howard Purcell, nude, original cover art, paperback, pin up, pulp, risque, sleaze
Added to Gallery: November 14, 2018

 

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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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