Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration
A Courtroom Circus by Jack Levitz Circus Performers on Trial Before Three Judges is a large, colorful, and well-executed 1930s Art Deco-era fine art oil painting by the Lithuanian-American artist Jack Levitz. A Jewish immigrant who settled in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, Levitz’s social realist/Ashcan School style recalls George Luks and Everett Shinn. This […]
Artist: Jack Levitz
A lurid, action filled, original pulp cover oil on canvas by Harry Lemon Parkhurst / H. L. Parkhurst, one of the premier artists creating spicy pulp imagery for Culture Publications during the 1930s – 40s. This work illustrates “It’s Your Funeral” by Robert A. Garron and was used as the cover for the June 1941 issue of Private Detective. Surviving pulp paintings for this title and by this artist are scarce and this painting has it all; action, danger, drama, menace and movement.
Artist: H. L. Parkhurst
A whimsical pen and ink drawing by Heinrich Kley depicting a pair of crocodiles holding a tightrope for an art nouveau circus aerialist balancing with umbrella. Titled in the corner by the artist Seiltanz or “Rope Walk.” A fine example of Kley’s dazzling technical skills, work also visits the artist’s penchant for humanizing the animal kingdom. Beautifully framed and matted in a period fine gold gilt plein air aesthetic antique frame.
Artist: Heinrich Kley
A dazzling, acrobatic pin-up girl by Al Buell created on commission for the Osborne Calendar Company. This dramatic view is set against a big top trapeze backdrop and pops against the stark black backdrop. Original pin-up works by Al Buell are quite rare, and this fine original artwork exemplifies his unique and masterful style. This bright fresh oil on board comes very nicely framed and matted, condition is pristine.
Artist: Al Buell
This is a suggestive and subtle 1929 oil on canvas painting featuring a pierrot and ballerina in a quiet ‘behind the curtain’ circus moment. This large scale stylized art deco work is mournful and gay all at once, evoking all of the tensions of jazz age culture. Italian-born Alphonse Palumbo studied in New York at the Art Students League under Louis Mora and Frank DuMond. He exhibited at the Allied Artists of America, the National Academy of Design and the Society of Independent Artists.
Artist: Alphonse Palumbo
This large original circus motif oil painting was painted by famed illustrator Karl Godwin for Ethyl Gasoline captioned … ” Ethyl controls The Giant Power Of Gasoline … ” And is signed lower left. Godwin was a painter, illustrator and etcher from Canada who studied with Charles Hawthorne and Sigguard Skou, at the ASL of New York City. An August 27, 1932 issue of Liberty Magazine with this piece as the inside cover advertisement is included in the sale.
Artist: Karl Godwin
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.
Artist: Unknown
