Charcoal on paper. Featuring an exquisite portrait of a hooded woman. Signed and attr. Tamara de Lempicka (Polish, 1898-1980. 12.2 x 8.9 in. (31 x 22.5 cm). Tamara de Lempicka was a Polish painter known for her distinctive Cubism-influenced Art Deco style. In her many portraits of Hollywood stars and European aristocracy, her hallmark was the use of simplified tubular and angled forms as a means to render the figure and space, lending everything in her paintings the same tactile, metal-like quality. “My goal is never to copy,†the trailblazing artist declared, instead promising to “create a new style, clear luminous colors and feel the elegance of the models.†Born on May 16, 1898 in Warsaw, Poland (then part of the Russian Empire) to a wealthy family, she fled to Paris during the 1917 Russian Revolution. While living in the French capitol throughout the 1920s, she became an integral part of the bohemian scene and was acquainted with Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, and André Gide. Today, her work is collected by many celebrities, including Madonna, Jack Nicholson, and Barbara Streisand. Lempicka died on March 18, 1980 in Cuernavaca, Mexico. PROVENANCE: Private Collection (South America)

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.