Jon Whitcomb , Mid-Century Cosmopolitan Illustration Surreal Family Narrative, 1950

A complex story is portrayed in one picture.
American Glamour Illustrator Jon Whitcomb interprets a Mid-Century Cosmopolitan story about a beautiful blond actress who, on set, appears torn between work and family. What's unique here is Whitcomb's graphic application of the narrative. He silhouettes seven principal subjects against a grey background. Abandoning traditional size relationships, the more important subjects are larger and more prominent in the composition. Whitcomb was famous for painting the most beautiful and glamorous women; this work is no exception. He paints an absolutely stunning protagonist. Her children are depicted as tiny in scale and almost of the realm of fairies. One tiny person is walking on her shoulder while a brother and sister gesture towards her emphatically while hovering. In 1950, Rene Magritte and Salvador Dali, were doing great Surrealist art and that influence may have seeped into mainstream American illustration for one of the most popular women's magazines. Whitcomb creates a semi-surreal painting with familiar, beautiful people floating in a strange, unexpected space. Signed lower right. Work is framed to 32.75 x 26, Published Cosmopolitan Magazine, June, 1950
Gouache, Pencil on Illustration Board
26 - 32.75 inches
US$19,500 Plus Shipping