1920s

An evocotive American Arts and Crafts aesthetic, original oil on canvas, by noted and listed Chicago area artist, Torey Ross. Ross was born in Gotthenburg, Sweden, settled in Chicago, was a member of the Chicago Society of Artists, exhibited at The Salons of America, The Art Institute of Chicago and The Society of Independent Artists in New York City . Titled on verso Florida Indian Home. Stylistically very similar to period Illustration work by Eanger Irving Couse and Weinhold Reiss. Retains elaborate and beautiful original Art Nouveau, carved gesso frame.

Native American Woman Potter

Artist: Torey Ross

A spectacular, rare, exhibited large oil on canvas from 1924 titled, The Young Dianas. Retains original Carrig Rohane, hand signed and dated, carved gesso frame. An Art Deco masterpiece and a museum quality example of American Impressionist Painting.

The Young Dianas

Artist: Arthur Prince Spear

A highly stylized, art deco original etching in the manner of Rockwell Kent, Lynd Ward, and other period art deco artists. Image is evocotive and surreal in form; notice the female nude form in the background. Artwork is unsigned and retains original frame and blue velvet matting which shows some staining but appears original to etching and is still quite charming as seen.

Art Deco Nude Etching

Artist: Unknown

An early art deco era masterpiece and one of only several oils ever painted by Arthur Spear in this large size. A playful nude nymph and allegorical satyr cavort near a river’s edge, titled in pencil on verso The Unveiling. Retains original carved wood gesso frame that appears to be a Carrig Rohane or similar quality. A masterpiece and a very rare surviving example of Spear’s mastery and Maxfield Parrish-like imagery and painterly technique.

The Unveiling

Artist: Arthur Prince Spear

During the 1920’s in America, all eyes were seemingly on the discovery and subsequent opening of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. For a brief period the decorative arts reflected this fascination with all things Egyptian. This influence is today referred to as Art Deco Egyptian. Here is a magnificent example of this popular culture obsession as painted by renouned illustrator Rudolph Schabelitz depicting the presentation of a pectoral and necklace to Princess Sat of Egypt 1800 B.C.

Egyptian Royalty Advertising Illustration

Artist: R. F. Schabelitz

A roaring 20’s flapper girl in a tophat tames a pair of tigers with her feminine guiles. Most likely a cover for a spicy pulp or early vaudeville era magazine. Artwork is mindful of similar covers by Earle K . Bergey, Otto Grenier or H.J. Ward. Like much pulp cover art, this work is unsigned.

Leopard Tamer Pin Up Girl

Artist: Unknown

Completed preliminary study for a 1920’s magazine cover. Benda was best known for his illustrations of beautiful exotic women. He was also very well known for his creations of theatrical art deco masks. Benda authored his own book copyright 1944 entitled Masks, showing many examples of his work and detailed instructions on his mask-making.

Theatrical Mask Study

Artist: Wladyslaw Benda

Spear did a series called “Sea Weeds” with haunting images of art nouveau mermaids and other sea dwellers. This original pastel is a stunning and highly detailed example from this series. The colors are vivid and her ghost-like presence is breathtaking. This original gouache is referenced in the Warren Historical Society book on Spear on page 33 lot # 147. it was completed in February of 1927 and sold in 1930 at a New York City studio show. Artwork retains original period frame which shows some wear and there is some very minor “bubbling” where paper surface has lifted from board. This wear is minor and easily repaired.

Sea Weeds

Artist: Arthur Prince Spear

Spear did a series called “Sea Weeds” with haunting images of art nouveau mermaids and other sea dwellers. This is an original pastel on sandboard from this series. The mystical beauty of this underwater nymph lies in the simplicity of his rendering. It is housed in a beautiful original vintage art nouveau frame with corner detailing.

Mermaid Sea Dweller

Artist: Arthur Prince Spear

A rare surviving original illustration by James Arthur for use as calendar art created in the late 1920’s for the Louis F. Dow calendar company under the title Land of Sky Blue Waters. The allure of the Indian Maiden proved inspiration for many American Illustrators. They were curiously portrayed as “white” and anglicized in their features. Today, Indian Maidens are even more collectible than during their initial popularity of the 1920’s. This work has photographic elements in her face and figure (which was often the case with artists of this genre), with much detailed oil painting. A published calendar top with artwork is included in sale.

Land of Sky Blue Waters

Artist: James Arthur

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