Abstract for Associated American Artists Galleries

Adolph Dehn (1895-1968) Untitled Abstract (1954) This is an original 1954 lithograph signed in the plate by Adolf Dehn as an advertisement for Associated American Artists Galleries, located at 711 Fifth Avenue in New York City. Printed on colored laid paper for the Improvisations portfolio for the Spring Fantasia Masquerade Ball at the Hotel Astor in New York and published by the Artists Equity Association. The sheet measures 12 x 9 inches and has been matted and framed measuring 17 x 13 inches.

The Improvisations portfolio consisted of advertisements for local New York City businesses supporting Artists Equity, and each advertisement was an original lithograph. The original lithographs were produced in only one edition and included just 2,000. These lithographs are perhaps the most unique, rare, important advertising collectibles that exist for businesses and corporations. Artists were given complete freedom of expression, so many leading New York artists participated and contributed to “Improvisations” including:
• Louise Nevelson for Herman Stern and Son, Manufacturers of Embroideries and Novelties
• Sol Wilson for Cleantex Process Co.
• Moses Soyer for Harry N. Abrams, Inc.; Publisher in New York City
• Raphael Soyer Nude Art for Parfums Faberge
• Chaim Gross for Herbert Levine Shoes
• Stephen Ronay for Revlon Cosmetics
• Reginald Marsh for the Park Sheraton Hotel