Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration
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.
Artist: Unknown
This is a haunting original illustration of an Egyptian Princess trying to save her Dying Prince, by concocting some potions as a serpent feeds and assorted Black Magic abounds. A stunning presumably interior book plate illustration signed Maurice Greiffenhasen. This evokes the early 1900’s imagery of Coles Phillips and Maxfield Parrish and is masterfully executed with a very stylized art deco Egyptian aesthetic.
Artist: Maurice Greiffenhasen
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.
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.
Artist: R. F. Schabelitz
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.
Artist: Wladyslaw Benda
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.
Artist: James Arthur
he September 1923 cover of Picture Play magazine, a delightful red headed flapper portrait of silent movie player, Pauline Garon. During the roaring twenties, Clive created numerous jazz age-inspired portrait covers for Silent Movie era magazines. These covers were in direct competition with those Rolf Armstrong was creating for College Humor Magazine. A masterful painter, on par with Rolf Armstrong and the other top deco era American Illustrators, Henry Clive was adept at both pastel work and oils, and his original works are extremely scarce and coveted by collectors.
Artist: Henry Clive
The finest surviving Henry Clive cover illustration from his 20+ years creating for The American Weekly. This painting was from a series done in 1934 titled, Darlings of the Poets. In this series, Clive illustrated the inspirations for leading poets and writers. This particular oil on canvas was the inspiration behind The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. It is matted to museum quality and framed in an amazing ornate art deco silver gesso frame. Seven American Weekly issues with the complete run of the Darlings of the Poets series are included.
Artist: Henry Clive
A rare original pastel portrait of Mary Wesson, the silent movie star and of Smith & Wesson Family fame, by Charles Sheldon. The pastel comes with the original photograph taken by Sheldon of his posed model. This image captures the carnival like atmosphere of the jazz age. Framed in a period 1920’s gesso wooden “step-frame”.
Artist: Charles Sheldon
A haunting original oil painting inspired by The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam by noted illustrator and fine artist, Charles Allan Winter. Included with this painting, is a delightful February 1923 issue of Shadowland Magazine-Expressing the Arts. This artist’s work is featured in a full page color plate on page 9 of this publication.
Artist: Charles Winter
