Jules ERBIT - overpainted Star Weekly cover, 1945.

Decided to take a chance on this somewhat distressed Jules Erbit pastel since the price was right. It was initially painted as the cover for the July 7, 1945 wartime issue of the Toronto Star's weekly magazine insert with the model holding little dolls representing the three branches of the Canadian Armed Forces. It was then modified for publication as a calendar and/or pinup by the Louis F. Dow Company, with the little dolls painted out and replaced with a puppy. You can see that while the original background (including his signature) was unfortunately painted over with gouache at some point, the silhouette of the little sailor figure, part of the model's original right wrist, and the dolls' feet is still visible as a lighter patch of blue. The reverse bears a stamp for American Artists Co. at 67 West 44th St. which is the agency Erbit worked for in the 1940s along with Art Sarnoff, Walter Baumhofer, Robert G. Harris, Bradshaw Crandell, Andrew Loomis, and others. Might see if any professional restoration would be possible.