JEAN NEGULESCO

(Romanian-American, 1900-1993)

TWO WOMEN

Gouache and Felt Pen on Paper laid down on archival Mat Board

30 x 21¾ Inches

Signed Lower Left, 'Negulesco' and dated 1969

 

A substantial, continuous line, figural drawing by this notable, Romanian-born painter, film director and set designer. Jean Negulesco was the original director on "The Maltese Falcon". He was nominated for an Oscar for his directing 'Johnny Belinda' and a BAFTA award for 'How to Marry a Millionaire".

 

Born in Romania, Jean Negulesco studied in Vienna in his teens. In 1919, he moved to Bucharest, where he worked as a painter before becoming a stage decorator in Paris. In 1927, he arrived in New York with an exhibition of his artwork and, after initial success, he settled in Hollywood. He continued to exhibit successfully as an artist, while becoming increasingly occupied with his successful film career. Negulesco was the original director of 1941’s “The Maltese Falcon” and, in 1948, was nominated for an Academy Award for directing “Johnny Belinda”. In 1955, he was also nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Director for “How to Marry a Millionaire”, starring Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, and Betty Grable. We are pleased to offer a lyrical figural work by this notable American Modernist.

 

Reference:

Artists in California 1786-1940, Third Edition, Edan Milton Hughes: Crocker Art Museum, Sheridan Books 2002, Vol. 2, p. 807; Mallett’s Index of Artists, Daniel Trowbridge Mallett, Peter Smith: New York 1948 Edition, R.R. Bowker Company 1935, p. 309; Davenport’s Art Reference Guide, 2007/8 Edition, p. 1718; AskArt; Internet Movie Database; World Film Directors, Volume One, 1890-1945, pp. 827-832; et al.