Black Velvet Floral Evening Gown (ref #19)

Author: Montedoro, Marco
Title: Black Velvet Floral Evening Gown (ref #19)

Description: An original painting by costume designer Marco Montedoro depicting a design for a black evening gown with sheer sleeves and floral details. The construction notes in the right margin are in the artist's hand, and indicate that the gown was intended to be made of velvet with chiffon sleeves (both in black). The floral details were to be constructed from spangles, and the lace-like elements at the top and bottom of the dress were to be made of velvet applique. An incomplete design for a serving tray featuring a fish design is visible on the verso. Unsigned. Gouache, colored pencil, and pencil on paper. Dimensions: w 11 x h 10 in. Condition: Good. Age-toned and slightly foxed, with marking to both recto and verso.Some bumping to edges and corners, including creasing along the lower edge.




THIS ITEM IS AT OUR DUPONT STORE.

NOTES

Marco Montedoro (1887-1947) was born in Italy to a family of musicians. Regarded as a child prodigy, he was sent to Paris to study drawing and painting as a teenager. He established himself as an artist there, and remained in Paris until 1913 when he became the artistic director of the Metropol in Berlin. Montedoro moved back to Italy for the duration of WWI, where he designed posters for Italian theaters and cinemas. He returned to Paris after the war, and found work designing costumes for Le Palace, Les Ambassadeurs, Moulin Rouge, and Folies Bergère (including a 1927 production featuring Josephine Baker). During this period, he also designed productions in Milan, Berlin, London, St. Petersburg, and Poland.

In 1930, Montedoro relocated to New York City and designed for the Schuberts, including the 1941-1942 Broadway production of La Vie Parisienne. From 1932-1947, he worked alongside Vincinte Minelli designing sets and costumes for Radio City Music Hall, where Montedoro became head designer. Montedoro's talent is featured in Angelo Luerti's 2006 book Non Solo Erté - Not Only Erté, Costume Design for the Paris Music Hall 1918-1940.

Provenance: Before his death, Montedoro gave a significant collection of his designs to his close friend Hella Aronson (a German Jewish newspaper illustrator who had emigrated to New York from Nazi Germany before the beginning of WWII). The collection has remained with the Aronson family since that time.

Seller ID: 1341167

Subject: Arts & Antiques Store