Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration
At the turn of the 20th century, Industrial Revolution inventions brought technological advancements to printmaking that ushered in a Golden Age of American illustration. Publishers and calendar companies developed new techniques for producing multi-color offset lithographs that were fast, affordable, and flat-out glorious to view, blurring the distinction between fine art and "art for commerce." The best examples by the finest commercial illustrators were revered by the public, and today are beloved by collectors.
This luminous, expressive oil on masonite was created as an interior story illustration by beloved american artist Tom Lovell, which has verso notations which lead us to believe this was published in the May, 1947 edition of American Magazine, a title the artist frequently worked for. A young snappily attired couple are shown surrendering to the […]
Artist: Tom Lovell
A large and technically adept colorful gouache illustration painting by Mario Cooper for an interior story titled “Secret Voice of The Desert Oracle“, which appeared in the August 13, 1950 edition of Randolph Hearst’s American Weekly Magazine. An over the top Egyptian themed costumed processional, which appeared in print with the following caption: “Cleopatra Probably […]
Artist: Mario Cooper
This large and evocative interior illustration by Herbert Morton Stoops was commissioned by Cosmopolitan magazine to accompany a story titled “Swans Mate” which appeared in the September 1925 edition. The briskly composed Western frontier scene shows a wild west culture war where a citified young lady encounters a rugged cowboy on the edge of the frontier. The grizzled ranch hand is either amused or annoyed with the pert, […]
Artist: Herbert Morton Stoops
An original commissioned Calendar illustration by noted New York City genre illustrator Charlotte Becker. Created as calendar art most likely for The Gerlach Barklow Calendar Company Joliet Illinois. Framed in a period gesso wood frame.
Artist: Charlotte Becker
This Jean Oldham painting appeared as the cover for the April 1928 issue of The Dance magazine, showcasing the Spanish dancer and showgirl Trini in her costume from the Broadway hit “Take the Air.” The now-forgotten star shows off her opulent style and “famous feet” against a Moorish skyline in this art deco jewel of a painting. The Dance was a leading title during […]
Artist: Jean Oldham
A delicately rendered high society Belle Epoque turn of the century Venice Italy gondola scene . Most likely an interior illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, as Wright was a weekly contributor there. Wright was born in 1872 and a member of the National Academy. He founded an artistic community in Westport, CT, and his works are in numerous museums and galleries . He is listed in Who’s Who in American Art, Davenports, the Artists Bluebook and The Illlustrator in America by Walt Reed.
Artist: George Hand Wright
From the estate of legendary Ziegfeld Follies photographer Alfred Cheney Johnston comes this beautiful portrait of Follies showgirl Barbara Dean. Noted illustrator J. Knowles Hare was commissioned by impresario Flo Ziegfeld to create pastel illustrations of his glorified American girls based upon the the sittings between Johnston and the showgirls.
Artist: J. Knowles Hare
From the estate of legendary Ziegfeld Follies photographer Alfred Cheney Johnston comes this portrait of Follies showgirl Naomi Johnston. Noted illustrator J. Knowles Hare was commissioned by impresario Flo Ziegfeld to create pastel illustrations of Ziegfeld’s glorified American girls as they were captured by photographer A.C. Johnston, for a variety of display and publicity uses. The finished pastel […]
Artist: J. Knowles Hare
Grapefruit Moon Gallery just unearthed a small collection of original Campbell’s Soup Kids illustrations. These appeared as print ads in countless American mainstream publications such as The Saturday Evening Post in the 1930s. In this offering a Dolly Dingle character Campbell’s Soup Kid is putting the finishing touches on his or her soapbox derby bi-plane early aviation age-inspired racing car. Nicely matted and framed behind glass and ready to hang.
Artist: School of Grace Drayton
An important and poignant oil painting by the very well listed American artist and illustrator Francis Luis Mora. This large and expressive artwork was created as the frontispiece for the December 1918 issue of Red Cross Magazine. As published this was set atop moving poetry by Sara Teasdale reflecting on the mighty suffering and loss WWI had inflicted on our country’s women. A complete copy of the printed magazine with illustrated work is included in the sale.
Artist: Francis Luis Mora
