Estate of Eugene Vidal, father of author Gore Vidal. This painting has been consigned by grandson of Eugene Vidal. Eugene Luther "Gene" Vidal April 13, 1895 – February 20, 1969) was an American commercial aviation pioneer, New Deal official, inventor and athlete. He was the father of author Gore Vidal. For eight years, from 1929 to 1937, he worked closely with Amelia Earhart in a number of aviation-related enterprises, and was President Franklin Roosevelt's top civil aviation director from 1933 to 1937. Barclay and the woman on the right were friends. The woman on the right Katherine Roberts, other woman unknown The painting is titled Sophie and Lydia this painting became a cover for Cosmopolitan. Barclay introduced Katherine to Eugene Vidal whom he later married. Vidal was the main promoter of Amelia Earhart. This is a fabulous painting by the Saturday Evening posts top illustrator. Measures - 27 1/2 x 30" plus original frame. Signed lower left.