James D. Herbert (1896 – 1970). " Bi-Bop Ballet" or "Flag Dance #1" and preparatory watercolor sketch. Oil on Board. Signed verso. Newport Art Association Exhibition label verso. Dimensions: 16” x 20”. Lot included the watercolor sketch as well. The “Flag Dance” series clearly places James Herbert in the 20th century tradition of figurative American painting. Herbert throughout his youth was surrounded by New York’s throbbing urban reality with its dense and diversified populace. As a student of Kenneth Hayes Miller and a classmate of Reginald Marsh at the New York Arts Student League, Herbert honed his skill for figurative drawing and evidenced a fascination with stage “performers” rather than the local neighbors that attracted his artist colleagues. New York City showgirls and theatrical performers assimilate into his imagery of French inspired Napoleonic and court dancers. James Herbert was a highly educated and privileged artist born in New York City, who lived in Manhattan and studied at Columbia University during his youth. He attended the Art Students League of New York from 1920-1923, and again from 1926-1929. He became a member of the Society of Illustrators and went on to do commercial work for advertisers and fashion magazine. He later relocated in 1947 to Providence, RI to teach at the Rhode Island School of Design and become a member of the Providence Art Club and Newport Art Association.

Good

16 x 20 in

4 lb