Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 3

"Nudes Stepping Forth, " Large Theatrical Sketch by Raoul Pene du Bois

About the Item

This very large and energetic sketch, depicting several nude figures stepping forward through a circular opening, was painted by Raoul Pene du Bois, probably as a preparatory piece for one the many Broadway productions he helped to create. Famed as a scenic and costume designer for Broadway beginning in the 1930s, du Bois was one of a distinguished family of artists and designers going back to his grandfather, the art critic Henri Pene du Bois. He won Tony awards for scenic design (Wonderful Town), and for costume design (No, No Nanette); among the many other shows he designed were the Ziegfeld Follies (1934), Jumbo (1935), Du Barry was a Lady (1939), and Charley's Aunt (1953). The painting is marked with du Bois' estate stamp on the reverse. Clearly a sketch that reveals the artist at work, the edges are heavily torn and ragged, though the main image is intact.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 40 in (101.6 cm)Width: 30 in (76.2 cm)Depth: 0.1 in (2.54 mm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1945
  • Condition:
    Major tearing at edges; fold marks.
  • Seller Location:
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU86512102682

More From This Seller

View All
"Nude with Golden Hair", Striking Male Nude by du Bois, Tony Award Winner
By Raoul Pene du Bois
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Diminutive and striking, this Mannerist male nude by Raoul Pène du Bois, the great Broadway designer, depicts a confident figure in the full bloom of youth, with golden hair and blus...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Nude Male with Hand to Chest, " Drawing by Raoul du Bois
By Raoul Pene du Bois
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Powerful and eloquent, this drawing by Raoul Pene du Bois showcases his mastery of the human figure, expressed with his usual Mannerist approach -- all elongated limbs and stylized p...
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Drawings

"Nude with Umbrella, " Mid-Century Modern Male Nude by du Bois, Tony Award Winner
By Raoul Pene du Bois
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vividly painted in tones of turquoise, canary yellow and warm brown, this extraordinary depiction of a slender Black male nude holding an umbrella -- in our opinion a Mid-Century Mod...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Male Nude with American Flag, " Monumental Painting by Broadway Designer
By Raoul Pene du Bois
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Brilliantly hued and striking in composition, this painting by famed Broadway designer Raoul Pene du Bois is one of his largest works we have ever seen. Perhaps a study for one of hi...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Toltec, " Important Sketch for Art Deco Painting with Male and Female Nudes
By John Garth
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stylized and richly-colored, almost cinematic, depiction of a nude Toltec male youth by John Garth shows the figure holding a knife and chalice, hinting at human sacrifice, stan...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Paint

"Black and Red Nude", Large Male Nude Painting by Christopher Clark, 1954
By Christopher Clark (1875-1942)
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bold and striking, this large 1950s painting of a nude male youth, executed in black gouache or charcoal on a rich, deep red ground, was made by Christopher Clark. The artist is bes...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

You May Also Like

Guy Pène du Bois (American, 1884-1958) "La Chapelle Des Pecheurs" WPA Modernism
Located in Atlanta, GA
This captivating oil on board painting, titled "La Chapelle Des Pêcheurs" (The Fishermen's Chapel), exemplifies Guy Pène du Bois's distinctive style, blending modernism with a deep s...
Category

Early 20th Century American French Provincial Paintings

Materials

Paint

René Gruau, Sketch Bal du Moulin Rouge
Located in Encino, CA
René Gruau (1909-2004) Original gouache on paper depicting Watusi in Frénésie at The Bal du Moulin rouge. Signed on the back and titled " Moulin rouge XVIII " Probably a preparatory ...
Category

Vintage 1970s European Paintings

Materials

Paper

Art Deco Theatrical Mask Painting
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful pure Deco image of theatrical masks on a leafy background over a geometric ground. in the style of Andre Arbus.
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Large decorative and theatrical painting signed Gatti from the 60s
By Gatti
Located in Grenoble, FR
this large painting found in the back of a workshop has never been exhibited, it is still rolled up. This is certainly a request for decor for a theater or large restaurant as was do...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Revival Paintings

Materials

Korhogo Cloth

French Ink & Conte Nude Sketch Set in Gilt Frame
Located in Worcester, GB
French ink & conte nude sketch set in gilt frame Delicate nude. Monogrammed signature TM. Ink & gouache. Triple mounted & set behind glass in gilt frame. Frame m...
Category

20th Century European Paintings

Materials

Paper

Large Nude Painted Bas-Relief by Eric Satchwell, 1973
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful painting of nudes titled "Oreades". Oil paint on gesso relief. On board. Great colors and technique. Painted in an Art Deco style. It ...
Category

Vintage 1970s English Art Deco Paintings

Materials

Gesso

Recently Viewed

View All