December 2007
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/16/2008
19 - 1/2'' x 31 - 1/4'' framed; 13'' x 24 - 1/2'' sight. (American, 1877-1960). This painting is one of a series by James M. Flagg, an illustrator best known for his Uncle Sam ''I Want You!'' poster. A child prodigy who was contributing artwork to magazines as early as age 12, Flagg studied in New York, England and France. He lived a bohemian lifestyle and, being comfortable with a variety of subject matter and media, was able to support himself very well by creating magazine covers, advertisements and even cartoons. But he was also a serious portrait painter, who exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1900, the National Academy of Design, and the New York Watercolor Club. In 1980, he was elected to the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame. In this very fine work, the subject is posed against a green drape, and has a luminous quality to her skin. It was painted during the time Flagg was working at the National Academy of Design. Previous ownership: Illustration House, New York City. Outstanding gilt and faux ebony frame renders the illusion of being double framed.