Carole Lombard in Pink

This dazzling pastel by Ed Dow was created as cover art for a Golden Age Hollywood movie magazine.

In glorious bold colors it showcases Carole Lombard in a pink blouse with oversized bow. Lombard was known for her spectacular style: the designer Travis Banton was known to say, “You could throw a bolt of material at Carole and whichever way it landed, she looked smart.”

The image plays off that, with its up-to-the-minute fashion, and prominently features her signature arch look.

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.