


This is a fun, well-conceived, and luminous original pin-up calendar painting by Art Frahm that appeared in the 1947 Louis F. Dow Calendar Company line under the title Cute Trick. In this oil on canvas painting, a startled, pretty young blonde is catching up on some late night reading when she is exposed in a classic cheesecake, leg show, “peek-a-boo” moment thanks to the mischievous clawing of her playful kitten. It is interesting to note the alternate titles written on the verso by staff at Louis F. Dow; a suggested title included “Playfull Kitten,” while Art Frahm carefully wrote on the stretcher bar his proposed title of “The Thriller.” This painting was previously in the famed collection of Charles Martignette. Cute Trick was reproduced as figure 401 in The Great American Pin-Up by Charles G. Martignette and Louis K. Meisel, Taschen Books, 1996. Painting remains in a fine state of conservation; modestly framed and ready to hang with a vintage Louis F. Dow print included in the sale.

