April 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, April 2nd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/2/2013
Reginald Marsh signed charcoal and watercolor on paper, with quintessential Marsh subject matter of a bold female figure seductively placed within the realm of carnival attractions. Circa 1940 art showcases the woman riding a similarly-styled white carousel horse, rendered in charcoal and watercolor on paper in tones of white, black, flesh, blue, gray and green. Piece is signed, ''Reginald Marsh'' to the lower right. Popular interpretations of Marsh claim he presented women of the Depression as empowered by leveraging their sexuality in an exhibitionist-and-voyeur dynamic in burlesque and vaudeville shows, perhaps even blurring the line between entertainer and entertainee. By extension, his frequent portrayals of crowds at beaches and carnivals could be interpreted as exploration of the dual roles members of a society play as performers and audience in the everyday, and the effects of economy on those roles. Viewable area measures 10.75'' x 13.5'', matted with a linen mat and framed in gold gilt wood to an overall size of 19.5'' x 23.25''. Not examined out of frame. From the personal estate of legendary actress Helen Hayes.
Reginald Marsh Artwork Signed -- One of Marsh's Recurring Muses, The Carousel Horse's Immodest Woman Rider -- From the Personal Collection of Actress Helen Hayes
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