Stanley Meltzoff oil painting for signet paperback cover of "The Delicate Prey and other stories" by Paul Bowles, 1952, revised 1956
Artist: Stanley Meltzoff (Painter)
16 Comments - 1,419 Views - 11 Likes
Additional Images:
1st Signet printing 1952
2nd Signet printing 1956
Illustrated Press book
Artwork Details
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DescriptionI am delighted to have had the opportunity to acquire an original oil painting by one of my all-time favorite illustrators, Stanley Meltzoff, who set many of the standards and tropes for the more classical & realistic school of speculative fiction illustration back in the 1950s. This image falls more under the category of psychological horror than hard science fiction, but Meltzoff was a master of many genres.As a bonus for me, this piece illustrated the 1st paperback publication of an outstanding short story collection by Paul Bowles, one of my favorite writers. This is a scene from the short story "Under the Sky", which, like the more famous story "The Delicate Prey" in the same collection, is a terrific, but harsh story about the human condition and the evil that lurks in the hearts of men (and women). These are not feel good stories... Meltzoff originally painted in a male figure on the left, which is how it appeared in the first printing of the paperback in 1952 (see attached photo), but the artist painted him out and revealed a moonlit cemetery for the 2nd printing in 1956 (see attached). I'd love to know why he changed it. My guess is that Signet wanted to avoid the suggestion of bad intent from the looming male figure in the foreground. Frankly, I'm amazed that the stories in this volume were published uncensored when the hardcover came out in the late 40s --- a victory for free speech and the literary world! Based on the strong resemblance, I'd wager that Meltzoff used his wife as the model for this painting. Before the publication of Mike Rivkin's magnificent retrospective "Stanley Meltzoff: Picture Maker" (which focuses on his game fish painting) and Dan Zimmer & Rivkin's more recent book of the same title, I had to scrounge around for old articles for info on this artist, but these books are treasure troves. Oil on board 21 x 17 inches (53.3 x 43.2 cm) Signed lower right Blurb on Meltzoff from the 3rd Art blog: Stanley Meltzoff (1917 - 2006) Stanley Meltzoff was born in New York, United States, in 1917. He painted covers and interior spreads for the likes of Life, National Geographic, Saturday Evening Post, The Atlantic, and many others. His 65 covers for Scientific American was an indication of the good company that demanded his work. Today his art hangs in the National Gallery (Smithsonian), Getty Museum, and many other world-class institutions. Bowing to the times, he switched gears and began painting saltwater game fish in their undersea environments. Thanks for taking a look! Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Davide G.
Member Since 2009
Posted on 2/20/2021
I find that this second and final version of the painting works much better than the first one, since it feeds the imagination of the beholder and so the feel of suspence/terror. The work on her hands and face is just amazing!
J H 
Member Since 2019
Posted on 2/20/2021
I just love the details on the stucco covered old brick wall. That 18th century placard carved into the stucco speaks to me. This is a great cover painting, and I happen to like your version better, too. The cemetery is more evocative, leaving some terror for the readers imagination to create, rather than lay it all out easily like the first cover. Cool find! Congrats
John Davis
Member Since 2014
Posted on 2/20/2021
Great piece by Meltzoff -- congrats!
I'm still hoping to find one of his SF pieces. One day!
artless artmore
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 2/20/2021
John Davis wrote:
Great piece by Meltzoff -- congrats!
I'm still hoping to find one of his SF pieces. One day!
If you think of it, please grab 2 of those SF pieces if they surface and I'll get you back ;)
Mark Howland
Member Since 2004
Posted on 2/20/2021
Fabulous! Regardless of why the male figure was edited out, the image is nicer, in my opinion, without him.
Shelton Bryant
Member Since 2005
Posted on 3/24/2021
Great Paints!! Luv The Manner which is Applied and Structured!!
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
Posted on 4/8/2021
You know,this final version of leaving out the other figure, leaves the whole mood and feelings of this dark mystery up to the viewer.A fantastic write up and history I might add,and congrats on a wonderful painting and pick-up !
Chris Lutes
Member Since 2016
Posted on 4/12/2021
It's always incredible to see the originals of these cover paintings, as striking as the printed versions are you lose so much of the subtlety and technique. Another beautiful piece in what must be one of the greatest galleries on CAF!
Bill Thomson
Member Since 2004
Posted on 12/14/2021
Fantastic painting!!! I always loved Meltzoff's underwater paintings and beautiful depictions of refracted light, and it's great to see his incredible talent applied to other subjects equally masterfully!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
Posted on 12/19/2021
Don't know how I missed this one when you posted it! Fabulous cover, and quite rare as well, as his paperback covers don't turn up with any sort of frequency. I like the changes he made for the 2nd printing. Sure, the woman now appears to be staring at something that isn't there, but given the scene is now a cemetery at night, perhaps she's seeing a ghost!
Hulk 213
Member Since 2008
Posted on 10/11/2023
This outstanding! Thanks for posting. I now have a new artist to discover.
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