Above: Jean harlow in pastels

Above: The artist’s signature

Above: A never published photograph of Harlow from Carnegie Hall Studio photographs taken by Sheldon

A fine and rare surviving original pastel by Charles Sheldon of the young and lovely Jean Harlow from her early years around the time of her breakthrough role in Howard Hughes’ epic film of 1930 “Hells Angels.” We unearthed a few photographs of Harlow taken by Charles Sheldon from this exact styling and consequent shoot we will include images with the pastel.

Above: verso notations

Above: Framed and matted in fine gold frame

Above: Jean Harlow as posed by Charles Sheldon for this shoot

This was undoubtedly used as a cover for one of the movie magazines of the era, the work is signed lower right and inkstamped on the verso with the artists Mass. address and the number #7. Sheldon was a frequent cover artist for Photoplay magazine and this was most likely commissioned by that publication. A coveted example of early Tinseltown glamour portraiture and featuring the eras brightest and biggest star.