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Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration

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Sorry, It's Sold

Ghost Inn Society

Artist:Robert Fawcett
Date:1940s
Medium:Goauche on Illustration Board
Dimensions:Sight Size 15" x 15" Framed 30" x 30"
Condition:Mint
Original Use:Interior Story Illustration for The Saturday Evening Post
Price: S O L D
Above: Full view of goauche painting
Above: The artist’s initial lower middle
Above: Verso label with title and Saturday Evening Post print usage
Above: Framed and matted view in handsome gallery frame

An original published gouache illustration painting on board by the Connecticut painter and illustrator Robert Fawcett. The verso label states this was used in The Saturday Evening Post story titled the ‘Ghost Inn Society.’ Signed in initials ‘RF’ and notated as Robert Fawcett on the Curtis Publishing Company verso affixed label. Outside the margins are centering spots for print usage. Image shows three women in discussion in a cluttered mid-century office done in a Norman Rockwell-like Americana illustrative style. Fine condition, well framed.

Above: Detail
Above: Verso Curtis publishing stamp
Above: Label in margin
Above: View before framing with centering marks in margins

Illustrator Robert Fawcett was born outside of London, England in 1903. His father, an amateur artist, lent much encouragement to his sons early drawing efforts. Fawcett’s family moved from England to Winnipeg, Canada, where he apprenticed under a local engraver. He spent his entire earnings buying old magazines to study the illustrations. When the family moved again, this time to New York City, Fawcett pursued commercial work until leaving to study abroad.

At nineteen, Fawcett returned to London, and for two years studied drawing under the rigorous discipline of the Slade School of London University. After graduating, he viewed commercial art with scorn. However, upon entering the fine art world, some of its political aspects diminished his youthful enthusiasm. From that point on, he was determined that he would earn his living through commercial work alone.

Fawcett came back to the United States in 1924. He began a long career in advertising and editorial illustration that brought him preeminence as “the illustrators illustrator,” and the master of the subtle approach. His remarkable draftsmanship, and ability to pour himself into his work without resorting to the usual solutions, resulted in a wealth of detailed and evocative illustrations. His belief that “draftsmanship was the answer to everything,” kept his artwork consistent and undiluted by fads. His artistic integrity grew from his belief that illustrators had a terrific responsibility: “We represent the only view of art, of beauty, to millions of people. If we do less than our best, we cheat them.” His mastery of composition is evident as shown in a series of Sherlock Holmes stories he illustrated for Collier’s magazine.

In later years, he preferred to restrict his work to reportorial assignments, for example, an assignment on Oxford, Mississippi, for Look magazine. His book, On the Art of Drawing, was published in 1958. In 1960, he painted a series of murals for the Commonwealth Institute of London.

Fawcett was twice president of the Westport Artists and also a member of the founding faculty of the Famous Artists Schools in Westport, Connecticut.

He was elected to the Hall of Fame of the Society of Illustrators in 1967. The book ‘Drawing the Nude’ was based on Fawcett’s drawings and teachings. It was written by his colleague and friend Howard Munce and published in 1980.

In 1990 his work was featured on a U.S. postage stamp as part of the Great American Illustrators series.

Ghost Inn Society

Artist: Robert Fawcett
Price:  S O L D

Filed Under: Sorry, It's Sold
Tagged With: 1940s, american, original interior illustration, Robert Fawcett, The Saturday Evening Post
Added to Gallery: June 20, 2011

 

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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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