A rare and captivating original pastel portrait of the legendary Jean Harlow. Executed with the soft-focus glamour characteristic of the era's movie magazine covers, this piece captures the "Blonde Bombshell" in a dreamy, tilt-headed pose against a vibrant teal background.

The work features a dark blue monogram "REW" in the lower left. While the specific illustrator remains unidentified, the quality of the draftsmanship suggests a professional studio artist or an illustrator working within the circle of the Great Depression-era "Golden Age" of film promotion.

Extremely well-preserved condition. The piece has not been examined outside the frame. Presents beautifully when displayed. The pastel remains vivid and crisp under the glass. The piece is housed in its original wooden frame which features authentic "alligatoring" and a worn gilt finish that provides an unmistakable period patina. The verso retains its original (distressed) brown paper backing, further authenticating its age.


DIMENSIONS
Width: 10 in
Height: 12 in
Depth: 1 in


MATERIALS
Pastel
Paper
Glass
Wood
Cardboard
Wire


STYLE
Art Deco
Hollywood Regency
Old Hollywood
Portraiture
Traditional
Vintage Glamour


CONDITION
Portrait & Medium: The original pastel is exceptionally well-preserved for its age. The colors of the pastel, including the signature REW monogram and the specific blue teal background, remain vibrant with excellent clarity. There are no visible foxing marks, tears, or creases on the artwork surface. A few minor, inherent specks of dust are visible under the glass, but the work is pristine..

Original Frame: This listing includes the original, distressed wooden frame in its as-found condition. The black, green, and gold finish shows original alligatoring (crazing) and appropriate scuffing and wear to the corners and edges. This patina is desired and should not be restored.

Verso: The reverse of the frame is all-original and confirms the item's era. The frame is solid. The original textured brown backing paper is heavily distressed, with significant tattered wear, tears, and some old repairs near the top hanger. The entire reverse confirms its untouched history. It has been lightly cleaned and is ready for placement.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Portrait & Medium: The original pastel is exceptionally well-preserved for its age. The colors of the pastel, including the signature REW monogram and the specific blue teal background, remain vibrant with excellent clarity. There are no visible foxing marks, tears, or creases on the artwork surface. A few minor, inherent specks of dust are visible under the glass, but the work is pristine..

Original Frame: This listing includes the original, distressed wooden frame in its as-found condition. The black, green, and gold finish shows original alligatoring (crazing) and appropriate scuffing and wear to the corners and edges. This patina is desired and should not be restored.

Verso: The reverse of the frame is all-original and confirms the item's era. The frame is solid. The original textured brown backing paper is heavily distressed, with significant tattered wear, tears, and some old repairs near the top hanger. The entire reverse confirms its untouched history. It has been lightly cleaned and is ready for placement.

Origin:
United States

Materials & Techniques:
Cardboard, Glass, Pastel, Wood

Details:
Country of Origin: United States
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Portrait
Frame Type: Framed

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Portrait & Medium: The original pastel is exceptionally well-preserved for its age. The colors of the pastel, including the signature REW monogram and the specific blue teal background, remain vibrant with excellent clarity. There are no visible foxing marks, tears, or creases on the artwork surface. A few minor, inherent specks of dust are visible under the glass, but the work is pristine..

Original Frame: This listing includes the original, distressed wooden frame in its as-found condition. The black, green, and gold finish shows original alligatoring (crazing) and appropriate scuffing and wear to the corners and edges. This patina is desired and should not be restored.

Verso: The reverse of the frame is all-original and confirms the item's era. The frame is solid. The original textured brown backing paper is heavily distressed, with significant tattered wear, tears, and some old repairs near the top hanger. The entire reverse confirms its untouched history. It has been lightly cleaned and is ready for placement.