A large, luminous, and otherworldly gouache illustration created for Redbook Magazine, verso is dated January 1958, but this appeared illustrating the story “Wedding for Three” by Ann Kennedy in the January 1959 issue. A dazzling work by one of our favorite artists in a rainbow inspired color palette that only Georgi could have conceived. Beautifully matted and framed in a period gold gesso frame.

Edwin Georgi (1896 – 1964) Originally leaving Princeton with the ambitions of being a writer, Georgi wrote copy in an agency until persuaded that he would make a better painter. His depiction of sultry, sensual femininity, with a bewildering palette of pearlescent hues, created a powerful image of eroticism in fifties America – and one of impeccable morality. His quality of light was unique – the highlights burning with adjacent areas of pink and lilac. The reflected light he loved so much seemed to come from beneath, and scattered around the face giving an almost unearthly glow.

 

Above: Verso notations