Attributed to Willy Pogány Gothic Medieval Knights Watercolor, Circa 1920s–1930s

Details

Description

A striking original watercolor attributed to celebrated Hungarian-American illustrator, painter and set designer Willy Pogány (1882–1955), depicting an elaborate medieval … Read more A striking original watercolor attributed to celebrated Hungarian-American illustrator, painter and set designer Willy Pogány (1882–1955), depicting an elaborate medieval scene of mounted knights, armored figures, horses, heraldic banners, lances and weaponry.

Pogány was renowned for his highly decorative book illustrations as well as his work designing stage settings, costumes and murals in New York and later as an art director and designer for Hollywood films.

The watercolor is unsigned on the visible front and is therefore offered conservatively as attributed to Willy Pogány.

Of particular interest is a handwritten statement on the reverse dated May 9, 1999, which reads:

“This watercolor painting is an authentic work of art done by my father Willy Pogány.”

The statement appears to be signed Peter David Pogány Scott, Pogány's son.

Additional handwritten notations on the reverse include “#36,” “Gothic,” and “Stage Set or Mural (?)... possibly, Medieval Knights” / “Park Central Hotel, New York.”

The Park Central Hotel opened in Manhattan in 1927, making a late 1920s–1930s date plausible if the handwritten identification is correct, although the exact date and original commission have not been independently established.

The work was acquired from an estate sale at the Los Angeles home of Carol Lanning, longtime personal assistant to Charlton Heston.

Dimensions:
Watercolor visible within mat: approximately 16" W × 15 1/8" H
Framed: 21 1/8" W × 20 5/8" H × 3/8" D
Weight: approximately 3 lb. 10 oz.

Presented in a black plastic frame beneath what appears to be plexiglass. The watercolor presents very well and remains protected beneath the mat and glazing. The frame shows scratches, scuffs and edge wear consistent with age and use.

Please note: The work has not been formally authenticated and is being offered as Attributed to Willy Pogány. The inscriptions and identifying information on the reverse are photographed and included as part of the piece's history. See less