• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Recent Additions
  • The Gallery
    • About
    • Browse by Topic
    • eBay
    • Sorry, It’s Sold
  • Guarantee & Policies
    • Guarantee
    • Shipping & Payment
    • Amazon.com Shipping Information
    • eBay Buyer Protection
  • Contact & Social Media
    • E-mail & Phone
    • eBay
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Grapefruit Moon Gallery

Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

  • Gallery Blog
  • Golden Gallery
  • Fine & Decorative
  • Illustration & Advertising
  • Paperback & Pulp
  • Pin-Up & Glamour
Sorry, It's Sold

Eros

Artist:Unknown
Date:1936
Medium:Watercolor on Artist's Paper
Dimensions:Sight Size 11" x 15" Framed 18" x 21 1/2"
Condition:Excellent
Original Use:Of unknown usage - possibly illustration art
Price: Sold
Detail
Detail
The artist's signature and date of '36 lower right
The artist’s signature and date of ’36 lower right
Framed and matted under glass in original frame
Framed and matted under glass in original frame
Verso label from Gallery of Graphic Arts - 1603 York Avenue, New York
Verso label from Gallery of Graphic Arts – 1603 York Avenue, New York

This signed 1936 watercolor by an unidentified artist presents a look at the life of an urban bohemian artist in Greenwich Village, New York. Mixing the malaise and grit of Great Depression-era NY with romantic nostalgia for the artist’s communities that flourished during the Ashcan school-period of the early 20th century, this scene presents a view of an artist attempting to find inspiration at the sight of his muse, a sensuously posed nude model, but sinking into debauchery as he cradles a drink in one hand with a tawdry book titled Eros laying on his table. On his wall, unseen by either the artist or model, are his previous creations, including a likeness of the napping dog at his feet. This is an inspired work of urban realism, that dates to the WPA period where unflinching looks at the hidden corners of life were becoming an increasingly popular subject matter for American artists.

Detail
Detail
Detail
Detail
Detail
Detail
Verso view
Verso view

The watercolor is artist signed but we have been unable to make out the signature. The date after the signature reads clearly; 1936. The watercolor painting, in its original frame, has an old verso label from The Gallery of Graphic Arts in New York City, where this work was previously displayed and sold.

Verso view beneath original backing paper
Verso view beneath original backing paper
Notations on back of artwork
Notations on back of artwork

Eros

Artist: Unknown
Price:  Sold

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1930s, american, bohemian, Great Depression, new york city, nude, WPA
Added to Gallery: January 30, 2012

 

Contact Grapefruit Moon Gallery



    Primary Sidebar

    Join our mailing list

    Grapefruit Moon Gallery Around the Web

    Facebook
    Instagram
    Pinterest
    Twitter

    Recent Additions

    Gone With the Wind

    Pigeon Feathers

    Packed Dirt, Churchgoing, A Dying Cat, A Traded Car

    Footer

    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]

    Grapefruit Moon Gallery on eBay

     

    Grapefruit Moon Gallery on Instagram

    View on Instagram

    Copyright © 2023