GIL ELVGREN (American, 1914-1980). Cee Bee (to Hold) (Fascinating Figures), 1953. Oil on canvas board. 27 x 18 in.. Sign...

Description

GIL ELVGREN (American, 1914-1980)
Cee Bee (to Hold) (Fascinating Figures), 1953
Oil on canvas board
27 x 18 in.
Signed lower right
Gil Elvgren only painted nudes occasionally, and as a result they are extremely desirable among die-hard Elvgren collectors. Note that this piece is inscribed, "To my good friend Harold, Gil". Elvgren gifted the painting to silent screen icon Harold Lloyd, an incredible association for this painting. Lloyd was himself a respected pin-up photographer, capturing images of such glamorous icons as Marilyn Monroe and Bettie Page. As the authors note in Gil Elvgren All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups ,"Because of Elvgren's great popularity, Brown and Bigelow often used him for special promotions. Elvgren had the opportunity to meet many people, including a number of celebrities, some of whom became close friends. One such was film star Harold Lloyd, who, about 1950, introduced Elvgren to 35mm stereo color photography."

This painting was reproduced as figure 251 in Gil Elvgren All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups by Charles G. Martignette and Louis K. Meisel.

From the Estate of Charles Martignette.

More information about Elvgren, Gil. See also: Gillette Elvgren Artist.



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