Above: Full view of pastel before framing

Above: The artist’s signature lower right

Above: Framed and silk matted behind conservation U.V. glass

Above: Vintage Brown & Bigelow litho of Moonglow included in sale

A unique and inventive, large and luminous original pin-up pastel calendar illustration created for the Brown & Bigelow Calendar Company of Saint Paul Minnesota. This was used as a 1958 calendar titled “Moonglow.” The model is Jewel Flowers and this is rendered in an electric cobalt blue palette with the model catching the golden hues afforded by a moonlit night. This is a remarkable work–it is beautifully silk matted and framed behind U.V. conservation glass in a gold leafed museum quality wide profile frame.

Above: Detail

Above: Frame corner profile

The work is pictured in “The Great American Pin-up” (page 98 – plate #95) as one of the signature examples of Rolf Armstrong’s work. The artist and model Jewel Flowers enjoyed a two decade long friendship and working relationship. The pair were inseparable with Armstrong becoming like a father to the diminutive pin-up model with a girl next door smile and wholesome yet sexy commercial appeal.

Above: Vintage Brown & Bigelow litho of Moonglow included in sale

Above: Title and Brown & Bigelow trademark on litho

Above: Rolf Armstrong and Jewel Flowers on location in Marblehead Massachusetts

Above: Jewel Flowers at Armstrong’s Hawaii studio with surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku