A Frank Modell Theater Sketch

A framed drawing by cartoonist Frank Modell now on eBay is fresh from the estate of philanthropist Sue Erpf van de Bovenkamp (1928-2011). The eBay seller states this sketch dated 1961 "needs research." I beg to differ. This is almost certainly an unpublished sketchbook page by Modell depicting audience members in a theater. That's pretty much it. You're welcome.

Frank Modell. Theater sketch, 1961

Frank Modell. Theater sketch, 1961

Frank Modell's signature

Frank Modell. Theater sketch, 1961

Frank Modell. Theater sketch detail, 1961

Frank Modell. Theater sketch detail, 1961

Frank Modell. Theater sketch, 1961

The writing on the cardboard backing merely conforms what the artist has written on the drawing.

At the time of framing this 1961 sketch, the five-digit zip code had not yet been introduced. That was to occur in 1963.

Does anyone find this sort of thing helpful?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FRANK-MODELL-NEW-YORKER-MAGAZINE-LISTED-CARTOONIST-AUCTION-RECORDS-TO-7000-/291071739199?

The asking price was subsequently reduced.

The previous owner was a noted New York socialite. Here is her paid death notice from the Times:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?n=sue-van-de-bovenkamp&pid=150003231

Her home, presumably where this sketch hung, sold for $23 million:

http://therealdeal.com/blog/2013/08/24/real-estate-investor-wife-buy-ues-co-op-for-23m/

Note:  This sketch "needs research;" that's what the seller said. This blog is just teeming with any variety of posts that need research into publication history and other issues, but I don't see this particular sketch being one of them.

The few posts I have written about Frank Modell tend to be about a lot of other things as well.

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