Jo Mielziner (Paris born American, 1901-1976) "The First Study for 'Daughters of Atreus" - graphite on paper, 1936. Initialed on lower right of drawing. Handwritten title, date, and signature on lower center of matte. Inscription on lower right of matte reads, "For Prince & Barbara - Jo Mielzian - May 1945". A fascinating drawing by scene designer Jo Mielziner for the Broadway play "Daughters of Atreus" which went up at the 44th Street Theatre in October of 1936. In addition to "Daughters of Atreus," Mielziner, who was described as "the most successful set designer of the Golden era of Broadway," also created set designs for A Streetcar Named Desire, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Death of a Salesman, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, The King and I, Carousel, and Gypsy to name a few. Size of drawing: 10.75" W x 8.25" H (27.3 cm x 21 cm) Size of frame: 22.375" W x 20.125" H (56.8 cm x 51.1 cm)

Written by Robert Turney, the plot of "Daughters of Atreus" condensed the entire Agamemnon-Elektra cycle into one play, though told from the point of view of Klytaimnestra, whose daughter Iphegeneia was tragically sacrificed at Aulis before the Argives had a chance to sail for Troy. What ensues closely follows the famous narrative.

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#161942

Initialed on lower right of drawing. Handwritten title, date, and signature on lower center of matte. Inscription on lower right of matte reads, "For Prince & Barbara - Jo Mielzian - May 1945". Study has not been examined outside the frame. Through the glass we can see that the sheet is a bit wavy and there are areas of staining and fading, but the image is still legible. There are also stains to the matte as shown, scuffs/nicks to the frame, stains likely due to water damage visible on the verso with separation of gallery tape, and the framing could be secured better.