September 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, September 25th, 5pm Pacific

Charcoal Portrait of Jean Harlow by Famed Illustrator James Montgomery Flagg

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/25/2012

James Montgomery Flagg charcoal portrait of actress Jean Harlow. The foremost early 20th century illustrator is best known for his iconic ''Uncle Sam Wants YOU'' recruitment poster from WWI, but his vast body of work runs the gamut from the political to the cinematic. Flagg's renditions of Hollywood royalty were commissioned to grace ''Photoplay'' covers from 1936-1938. ''Photoplay,'' published by McFadden, was the most prominent film magazine of its time among fans and industry alike, and sponsored the first awards ceremonies for cinematic achievements. With red as the only color added to Harlow's image, this piece is characteristic of Flagg's Photoplay line of portraits. Harlow joins Bette Davis, Gloria Swanson, Norma Shearer, Shirley Temple, Claudette Colbert, Carole Lombard, and Joan Crawford as Photoplay cover girls, all of whom Flagg styled in this manner. The captivating film actress Jean Harlow was among the magazine's favorite faces, appearing on the covers of the August 1932 issue, May 1935 and March 1937. Her untimely death at age 26 was a loss felt deeply by the industry and left her public shocked and devastated. Harlow pioneered the blonde bombshell image, and is often said to have paved the way for Marilyn Monroe's platinum persona. Signed ''James Montgomery Flagg'' to the lower right. Measures 13.75'' x 17.25''. Toning, very light foxing and a minor tear to the right edge, else near fine. A stunning portrait of a style icon at the height of her influence, drawn by one of the most widely-recognized purveyors of cultural imagery in America in the 1930's.