Large oil painting on canvas by Janet Scudder, titled ‘Dominatrix’ – 1935

Janet Scudder, 1869-1940, was an American sculptor and painter from Terre Haute, Indiana, who is best known for her award-winning sculptures, many of which are held in public and private collections around the world.  Scudder received her art training at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, the Art Institute of Chicago, and later in Europe at the Académie Vitti and the Académie Colarossi in France.  Besides being a prominent artist of the late 19th and early 20th century, Scudder was also very active in the advancement of women’s rights and a prominent participant in the Women’s Suffrage Movement.  Scudder was a frequent traveler and maintained two homes/studios; one in New York and another in Ville d’Avray, France, on the outskirts of Paris, where her social circle included leading feminist figures Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, Mildred Aldrich, and Eva Mudocci.

A large and brightly colored oil painting, created at Ville d’Avray in 1935, of a seated woman, a dominatrix, as the title states, either dressing or disrobing herself. The subject of the painting bears a striking resemblance to Scudder’s friend and fellow Parisian, Peggy Guggenheim. Ms. Guggenheim was well-known for her sexual escapades, was a friend of Scudders, and is the subject of at least one other known portrait painting by Scudder. The sitter of this work is not identified, but it is our belief that the painting is indeed of Peggy Guggenheim.

Oil on stretched canvas.  Recently cleaned.  Two small repairs to the back of the canvas, (see images).

Housed in a new, custom silver gilt frame.

Measures 43.5 inches by 33.25 inches sight size, and 49.5 inches by 39.5 inches by 1.5 inches overall including the frame.

Price – $12,500

Click on price to purchase or inquire.