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James Montgomery Flagg

Photoplay art ('36-'38)

(charcoal on paper; 13.75 x 17.25 in.)

 

 

Further info on Flagg:  Wikipedia     American Art Archives

Further info on this artwork:  Nate D. Sanders Auction (2014)

 

Text from Nate D. Sanders 2014 Auction:

James Montgomery Flagg charcoal portrait of actress Joan Crawford. The foremost illustrator of the early 20th century 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 for ”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 just two colors added to Crawford’s portrait, red on her lips and blue on her eyes, this piece is characteristic of Flagg’s Photoplay line. Crawford joins Bette Davis, Gloria Swanson, Norma Shearer, Shirley Temple, Claudette Colbert, Carole Lombard and Jean Harlow as Photoplay cover girls, all styled by Flagg in this manner. Crawford began her career as a dancer and cultivated an alluring image with a flapper persona. She successfully made the perilous transition from silent films to talkies and was dubbed ”Queen of the Movies” in 1937. Her name is handwritten and ”James Montgomery Flagg” signs to the lower right. Measures 13.75” x 17.25”. Toning and a minor tear to the right edge, else near fine. Unique Joan Crawford memorabilia.  Sold for $3,781.

 

 

 

 

 

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