Nicholas Volpe Charcoal Sketch of Sophia Loren in ''Two Women'' -- Volpe Was Commissioned by the Motion Picture Academy to Draw Portraits Each Year of the Best Actor & Actress Oscar Winners

Renowned portrait artist Nicholas Volpe charcoal sketch of Sophia Loren, from her starring role in ''Two Women'', for which she won the Best Actress Oscar in 1961. Volpe was given a lifetime commission by the Motion Picture Academy to sketch portraits of the Oscar winners for Best Actor and Actress every year, which were then displayed in the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles. It was said that you hadn't made it in Hollywood until Volpe drew your portrait. This original portrait of Loren is the singular sketch by Volpe from her performance in ''Two Women'', commissioned by the Academy. Signed ''Volpe / © 1962'' at bottom. Matted and displayed in its original gold frame with small white placard reading ''Sophia Loren / 1961 / 'Two Women' / Embassy Pict. Corp.'' over a depiction of the Oscar trophy. Measures 19.75'' x 23.75''. Chipping to frame, otherwise near fine.