Lot 268: A William Powell pastel portrait signed by Volpe

A William Powell pastel portrait signed by Volpe
Pastel on black background portrait of William Powell, late 1930s-early '40s, signed ("Volpe") in lower right-hand corner, matted and framed. Nicholas A. Volpe was said to be the most prolific artist of celebrities in America. He had a lifetime contract to illustrate all of the Best Actor and Actress Academy Award® winners, and one of his most famous portraits was the Frank Sinatra Friar's Club portrait that sold at Bonhams' June 2017 Entertainment Memorabilia sale for $31,000. The portrait of Powell against a backdrop of black brings out the magnificent colors and perfectly captures the warmth in Powell's eyes. 20.5 x 24.5 x 1 in.