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Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Sorry, It's Sold

Jean Harlow

Artist:Earl Moran
Date:1930s
Medium:Pastel on artist's paper
Dimensions:Framed: 22" x 18" | Sight size: 14" x 10.25"
Condition:Fine
Original Use:Unpublished Magazine Cover
Price: Sold
Full view of Earl Moran pastel of Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow, Earl Moran, and the Golden Age of Hollywood

This beguiling pastel on artist’s paper was created by artist and illustrator Earl Moran as cover art for one of the many countless movie magazine titles in circulation during the Golden Age of Hollywood. We are, at this time, unable to find a published example of this portrait.

This portrait of actress Jean Harlow has been signed by Moran in the bottom left corner. This pastel is beautifully framed and ready to display!

Signed by artist, lower left

Jean Harlow: Hollywood’s Original Blonde Bombshell

One of the most popular actresses and sex symbols of the 1930s, Harlow was signed by director Howard Hughes and made her first major appearance in his film, “Hell’s Angels” (1930). Harlow soon became a leading lady for MGM, starring in a string of hits. Harlow’s popularity rivaled and soon surpassed that of her MGM colleagues Joan Crawford and Norma Shearer. She had become one of the biggest movie stars in the world by the late 1930s, often nicknamed the “Blonde Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde”; she was also popular for her “Laughing Vamp” movie persona. The American Film Institute ranked her as the 22nd greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema.

Earl Moran by Jean Harlow Framed
Full framed view

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.

At the moment this work dates to, Moran was living and working in New York, struggling to build a name for himself as an illustrator, and spending as many free moments as he could in the company of chorus girls and models. This pastel was likely created by Moran as a calling card of sorts to get cover work for one of the 1930s Hollywood Movie magazine titles, as it has all the hallmarks of the style favored by magazines like Photoplay and Movie Mirror.

Detail view of Jean Harlow

Jean Harlow

Artist: Earl Moran
Price:  Sold

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1930s, art deco, blonde, Earl Moran, Jean Harlow, Original pastel
Added to Gallery: May 4, 2020

 

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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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