Authentic 1920s Watercolor Fashion Illustration by Klapproth: Models at the Door

This authentic 1920s original watercolor illustration is exceptionally well rendered in every value of warm gray watercolor washes. The artist was Dale Klapproth. 

Although we have researched his name and work extensively, little is known about Klapproth. A portfolio of his early work came to light recently as an estate discovery. The only history that has been found to date is that Klaproth studied to become a fashion illustrator, but went on to a 3-dimensional career as a department store window designer. The drawings, sketch studies and paintings offered here at The Gilded Griffin are likely his only originals. 

This watercolor painting portrays models waiting to go through those big double doors before the beginning of a fashion show. Typically during this era, customers were invited for an afternoon designer fashion show and English tea at glamorous department stores. Children also modeled the latest designs to clientele who were mothers and in this illustration, the youngsters are trying to patiently wait for the show to begin. You can see the haughty look on the model’s face in response to when one of the tired, or insecure little girls asks to be held. 

The clothing in the illustration includes small and tight cloches, gauntlet gloves and tightly cropped hair. The skirt lengths, as well as the shirred and draped flounce design to the back of one dress, dates this illustration to circa 1929. 

This wonderful original 1920s artwork is in superb condition overall. It is so beautifully rendered that you may be inclined to believe that it is a print at first glance. It is not. This is an authentic, original watercolor painting. If you examine the artwork closely, you will see areas where Klapproth rubbed the paper while painting in a watercolor technique called wet on wet. The paper remains strong and is not brittle. There is an uneven area around the outside edge where Klapproth removed the paper from its binding. The lower edge has a small “test” area in one corner where Klapproth tried the strength of his mid-tone gray. There are a few minor smudges of watercolor from the artist's handling on the back. None of these issues create any type of visual problem with the painting's image in any way. This is in vintage mint condition and will make a fabulous framed piece of art for anyone who appreciates the Roaring Twenties, whether curators or collectors. Klapproth’s signature is found in the border of the painting to the lower right edge. 

The painting measures approximately 8-7/8 inches or slightly over 22.5 cm by 11.5 inches or slightly over 29 cm.

This exceptional purse for discerning collectors dates to the 1940s. The purse is a master’s work of textile art. It is in outstanding condition, which counts most of all in purse collecting. Also, it is rare to find a purse from this era in its original, custom made presentation case. 

Micro-petit point purses of this quality were made in Austria and France during this era and are utterly breathtaking to examine. It is believed that the label on the bottom of the box is the price, and although difficult to discern, it appears pencil marked in French francs. 

The purse is entirely hand embroidered in micro petit point using exquisite silk floss. Please refer to the photographs. Under loop magnification, a single line counts as 40 stitches to the inch, which totals 1600 handmade stitches per square inch. Such fine hand work often took a master embroiderer as long as a full year to complete. 

The magnificent petit point figural scene is alive with movement and placed along a waterfront. As a woman walks by, a man on shore is depicted tossing a rope out to the fisherman who are about to dock their boat. The perspective in this exquisite petit point rendering is deep and perfectly executed, with buildings and waterways that disappear into the horizon line. Another sailboat is anchored in the background, and almost appears to bob up and down with the gentle movement of the water. 

The purse is sewn onto a silver-gilt frame. The frame is in outstanding condition without damage. The lacy floral design that makes up the clasp is connected at every point. The clasp is on a strong hinge and it only takes a gentle nudge to tilt the clasp back in order to open the purse. The interior, rich satin lining is deep ivory in color and the pockets are lined with burgundy moiré taffeta. The pockets are two different shapes, oval and squared at the top. 

There are no hallmarks or identifying marks whatsoever on the purse. The box, with brass hinges, moire´ taffeta. The only identifying mark on the interior is the monogram WSW. These initials have been researched and neither manufacturer nor department store can be connected to the monogram.
 

The presentation case is obviously original and its interior was custom made to fit the exact dimensions of the purse. The box is both paper and cloth covered and its interior is lined with glistening

The overall condition of this purse is outstanding. The colors are bright, clear and it is pristine both inside and out. In fact, the purse at first appears as though it was never used, but very close examination reveals a very tiny pencil mark at the very bottom of the interior lining and a tiny, red lipstick smudge. Both slight issues are only a few millimeters in width and one must to actually take the time to try to find these marks. The box has obvious rubbing on the exterior with original paper pricing label still attached to the bottom. The hinges are strong. 

The gracefully curved purse measures approximately 8 inches or slightly over 20 cm at the widest point. It is 8 inches or 20 cm from the bottom of the handbag to the top of the clasp. The wonderful presentation box measures approximately 10 x 12 inches or 25.5 x 30.5 cm. This is a magnificent example of micro-petit point from the 40s era, and is considered to be in near mint condition considering age. 

Authentic c 1929 Fashion Illustrator's Jewerly Design

This is an authentic 1920s original watercolor illustration. It is not a print. The painting depicts a jewelry design which likely came from the artist's imagination. 

The illustrator’s name was Dale Klapproth.
 Original 1920s illustrations are scarce and jewelry themed work may be considered all the more unusual. 

Although we have researched his name and work extensively, little is known about Klapproth. A portfolio of his early work came to light recently as an estate discovery. The only history that has been found to date is that Klaproth studied to become a fashion illustrator, but went on to a 3-dimensional career as a department store window designer. The drawings, sketch studies and paintings offered through The Gilded Griffin were likely his only originals. 

This illustration dates to circa 1929 based on the rest of the portfolio from this collection. The necklace shows a glimpse of the Egyptian revival influence which was popular during the late 20s. 

This wonderful original 1920s artwork is in superb condition overall. This is an authentic, original watercolor painting. This is in vintage mint condition and will make a fabulous framed piece of art for anyone who appreciates the Roaring Twenties or jewelry design, whether curators or collectors. Klapproth’s signature is found in the border of the painting to the lower right edge. 

The actual image area measures approximately 6.5 inches or slightly over 16.5 cm by 9 inches or slightly over 23 cm.