‡Augustus Edwin John OM

‡Augustus Edwin John OM, RA (1878-1961)

Portrait of Elizabeth Arden, cosmetics magnate

Oil on canvas

61 x 51cm

Provenance:

Elizabeth Arden

Patricia Graham Young, her niece

Charlie Young

James D. Julia, Fairfield MA, USA, 16/08/17, Lot 1252

Literature:

Illustrated Fortune magazine I am a famous woman in this Industry, October 1938, p.59

Lindy Woodhead, Elizabeth Arden & Helena Rubinstein, p.190, a copy of which is included with the lot.

Lindy Woodhead in her book War Paint (p.190) relates that the sitter did not like her first portrait by John and insisted on a second sitting which resulted in this painting which she felt depicted her as much steelier and tougher than the first which was more whimsical. Ms. Arden is said to have hung this painting in her Fifth Avenue apartment and sent the first to be hung in her management office in London.