Carole Lombard, 1933

This dazzling pastel created as cover art for a Golden Age Hollywood movie magazine showcases Carole Lombard against a cobalt blue background. Prominently featured is the dazzling star sapphire ring then-husband William Powell gave her as a gift in 1931–the first of many star sapphires the star would collect over the years. The gemstone became a signature for the actress, it was both her birthstone and the height of art deco chic.

The styling and hair date this pastel to 1933, which closely resemble the publicity photographs Lombard took for The Eagle and the Hawk, a World War I pre-code in which she had a brief, scene stealing role.

Hollywood magazines of the 1930s

Movie magazines of the 1930s were a central part of the image making machine of Golden Age Hollywood. The beautiful illustrated covers which amplified the glamour of screen stars, were both part of the allure, and have stood the test of time since their initial creation.

Along with the most prominent titles like Photoplay and Modern Screen, at least 50 other individual titles were publishing during the decade, and many more internationally. We have yet to locate where this original pastel appeared, but we have confidence it was a published cover.