An under-dressed, red-headed, blue-eyed breezy co-ed sweater girl with legs for miles catches up on some reading at the library in this original calendar pin-up painting by Edward D’Ancona. Published in 1954 as a hanging pin-up calendar (Clarion Intaglio Hanger – No. 11306), this appeared with the clever double entendre title Well Red. The painting is in a fine state of conservation and has been nicely framed. A vintage framed calendar print is also included in the sale. The framed print has the calendar pad portion with the year and calendar company specifics and title neatly displayed on the verso.

Edward D’Ancona was a talented and prolific illustrator, who excelled at creating curvaceous imaginings of the girl next door–in this artwork, looks and brains collide to great effect creating in all regards a fine example of The Great American Pin-up.

Edward D’Ancona is remembered for his painterly style, with careful yet effortless brushstroke, an eye for detail in the figure, and a joyful personification of every boy’s pin up dream. All are aptly on display in Well Red. The artwork is matted and framed in a wide profile period gesso frame, ready to display.