Ruth Sigrid Grafstrom
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This
high-fashion illustration was most likely created between 1938 and 1940
for an inside editorial in a major newspaper, such as Vogue or
McCall's. It showcases Ruth Grafstrom's deep academic knowledge executed
in a loose and quick style. Signed and inscribed lower right: Grafstrom
/ Rome Framed Dimensions 21 X 17 Inches - existing works by this
pioneering female illustrator are rare.
Ruth Sigrid Grafstrom
(1905–1986) was an American illustrator, producing significant work in
fashion illustration during the 1930s and 1940s.
Early life
Grafstrom was born on April 26, 1905, in Rock Island,
Illinois. Her father, Olaf Grafstrom was a painter from Sweden who
immigrated to Seattle. His work influenced Northwest realist painters
and at one time he chaired the art department at Augustana College.
Ruth's mother was also an artist, focusing on ceramics.
Grafstrom attended school in Chicago and Paris and after graduating, worked in fashion illustration.
Artistic career
She created illustrations for Vogue magazine,
including some covers. Grafstrom also contributed illustrations to the
Delineator, Cosmopolitan, and other women's magazines. Her illustrations
featured real, approachable women. She drew "'real' women...[who]
inhabit 'real' space." Her illustrations sometimes included fabric
collage, to give the image texture