The lot consists of two framed pieces related to celebrated jazz composer George Gershwin (1898-1937). The first contains an original doodle by Gershwin, possibly even a self-portrait, framed with his signature as "George Gershwin." The second is a bold Gershwin signature as "George Gershwin." Both pieces are framed behind glass, and neither have been examined out of the frames. Condition is near fine; individual issues are described below. The larger of the two framed pieces measures 6.375" x 8.375" x .75" overall.

Including:

1. A pre-printed telephone message blank featuring a stylized drawing of a man's head by George Gershwin. We speculate that the cartoon head, with its severe part and heavy brow line, shows some resemblance to Gershwin himself. Gershwin inscribed an old phone exchange number, "EN 2 - 8550," directly above the doodle. With a wrinkle in the lower right corner, else near fine.

A clipped signature reading "George Gershwin" has been mounted beneath the drawing. The signature was probably excised from a check since it shows several perforated marks. Both are mounted in a floating mount behind glass in an easel picture frame. The signature is faded, but paired with the doodle, it makes an arresting presentation. The overall frame measures 6.375" x 8.375" x .75" overall.

There are many instances of George Gershwin's drawn doodles on telephone message blanks, including one currently offered on eBay for $4,995 (this listing is included within the provenance information.)

One theory is that George Gershwin doodle/signature combinations like our piece were distributed by Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) and his wife Leonore "Lee" Gershwin (1900-1991) as mementos to George's bereft friends following his sudden death.

2. A bold, dark signature clip as "George Gershwin," matted and framed behind glass. A small stray mark is located above the "h" of Gershwin's signature, else near pristine. The clip measures 3.75" x 1.5" while the frame measures 7.875" x 5.875" x .625" overall.

George, along with his older brother Ira, were avid amateur doodlers in their youth. George became more fully committed to art around 1927, after he enjoyed a painter's vacation at Ira's urging. Gershwin's cousin, the established modern artist Henry Botkin, gave George some of the technical instruction that he lacked. George quickly mastered pencil sketching, pen and ink drawing, watercolors, and oil painting, describing his artistic style as "modern romantic." George Gershwin's posthumous one-man art exhibit at the Marie Harriman Gallery in New York City from December 1937 to January 1938 featured nearly 40 drawings, watercolors, and paintings.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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