Ruth M. Kreps , Street Costumes, Gay Nineties Fashion - Female Illustrator, 1945

Street Costumes by Ruth Kreps.
Signed lower right.
Most likely for a book published in the 1930's about turn of the century women's fashion. "Costume Design of the Gay Nineties" The House of Little Books (January 1, 1945) by Mary Julian Glover, Ruth Margaret Kreps,
Archivally matteed by not framed.
Condition is excellent.
Ruth M. Kreps, American, b. 1900
Ink, wash on board
US$5,000 Plus shipping

Ruth Kreps attended the Cornish School of Art at the same time in the 1930s as Syvilla Fort, an important African-American choreographer. During that time Syvilla modeled for several student artists, including Ruth Kreps. Some of the paintings of Syvilla Fort are featured in history, Women Painters of Washington.
I have spoken to Martin Zambito, who's pictures are featured at history link, and they were the source for my discovery. There is definitely a resemblance of Syvilla in the painting by Ruth Kreps on her homepage, especially if you compare her eyes in pictures her and of the painting.
Written and submitted by Glenn Airgood, who submitted the painting referenced above.
Born in Washington State in 1900, she attended the Cornish Art School in Seattle as well as the California School of Fine Arts. She was a charter member of Women Painters of Washington and made her home in Seattle.

Exhibitions:
Women Painters of Washington; Seattle Art Museum1932 to 1935; Oakland Art Gallery; Northwest Printmakers.

Source:
Trip and Cook. Washington State Art and Artists
From: Ask Art