Attr. Tamara de Lempicka: “Portrait de Marjorie Ferry” Oil On Canvas

Paris, 1932. Tamara de Lempicka is at the height of her glory, her art deco portraits are the most in demand among the members of the Parisian bourgeoisie, and all are fascinated not only by her unique pictorial style, but also by her life as a liberated woman and her reputation as a passionate lover. A wealthy businessman has commissioned de Lempicka to paint a portrait of his wife, Marjorie Ferry, a British cabaret singer, and has asked the artist to represent Marjorie with the precious cabochon ring he recently offered her.

Marjorie is depicted wrapped in a simple satin fabric, like a goddess carelessly hiding her assets under drapery. She looks at the spectator with confidence and sensuality. The sober architectural décor, with its white polished stone columns, recalls Olympus and raises Marjorie to the rank of a deity, who looks at the world from above. De Lempicka also attributes Marjorie the characteristics of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and the arts, described by Homer as a figure “with sparkling eyes”.

Dimensions: 36″ x 24″