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Identification

R. Wilson Hammell Art Deco Glamour Portrait

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

The artwork features a clear signature for 'R Wilson Hammell', an American illustrator known for this specific style of Art Deco glamour portraiture often used in calendar art.

Story

R. Wilson Hammell (American, b. 1896) was an illustrator known for his Art Deco glamour portraits, which were frequently utilized for calendar art and magazine covers during the 1920s and 1930s. No specific provenance, exhibition history, or gallery labels are provided for this piece. The market for original 1920s-1930s Art Deco glamour and pin-up illustration art remains strong among specialist collectors. Works by known calendar artists like R. Wilson Hammell are highly sought after when they are original pastels or oils.

Maker / Origin

R. Wilson Hammell

Condition & Value

Based on the limited single photograph, the artwork appears to be in fair to good visual condition, though heavy glare obscures the surface details. The frame shows typical age-related wear. A full condition assessment is impossible without examining the piece outside of the glass to check for foxing, fading, or moisture damage.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for original 1920s-1930s Art Deco glamour and pin-up illustration art remains strong among specialist collectors. Works by known calendar artists like R. Wilson Hammell are highly sought after when they are original pastels or oils. However, the market is heavily populated with vintage prints and reproductions of these exact images, which trade for a fraction of the price of original works.

Value Drivers

▲ Clear signature matching R. Wilson Hammell's known works.

▲ Classic 1920s-1930s Art Deco glamour subject matter, highly desirable in the illustration art market.

▲ Seller claims the piece is an original, which aligns with the high-end auction comps.

Concerns

▼ Unverified physical medium — if this is a vintage lithograph rather than an original pastel, the estimate drops to $50-$200.

▼ Missing dimensions — smaller works generally command lower prices than the 36-inch comps.

▼ Condition obscured by glass glare — hidden foxing, fading, or water damage would reduce value.

Best Venue

Verify the medium immediately by examining the surface under magnification (such as a jeweler's loupe) to confirm the presence of pastel dust and distinct strokes versus a printed dot matrix. If confirmed as an original pastel, consign to a specialist illustration art auction. If it is a print, list it on an online marketplace like eBay or Etsy.

Upside Potential

If the artwork is confirmed as an original pastel, is in excellent condition upon removal from the frame, and measures on the larger side (e. g., 30+ inches), it could reach or exceed the $3,500 high estimate at a specialist illustration art auction.

Authenticity Risk

medium

Illustration art from this era was heavily reproduced as calendar prints and lithographs. While the signature and style match Hammell, the primary risk here is a vintage print being misidentified as an original painting. Verification of the physical medium under magnification is required to rule out a mechanical reproduction.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 9 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Copley Fine Art Auctions· 2017-07-28
    Raymond Wilson Hammell (1896-1949) Setter Portrait
    Different subject matter (dog portrait vs glamour portrait).
    $400
  • Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers· 2018-06-23
    Raymond Hammell Autumn Landscape Painting
    Different subject matter (landscape vs glamour portrait).
    $400
  • Capo Auction· 2019-11-16
    Raymond Wilson Hammell (American, 1896-1949) Tu-Lips. Print.
    Print, whereas the subject is an original painting/pastel.
    $125
  • eBay
    R. Wilson Hammell Vintage Art Deco Print Of Brunette Woman The Debutante 20”x29”
    Print, whereas the subject is an original.
    $79
  • Ruby Lane
    Raymond Wilson Hammell Pin Up Signed and Titled Elaine
    Price indicates this is likely a print or reproduction, not an original.
    $39
  • Etsy - PurdyLittleBirdie
    R. Wilson Hammell, 1930's, 1920's, Art Deco, Glamorous Woman, Pin Up, Glam Pic, Print of a Painting, Pinup, Pin-up, Retro,
    Print, whereas the subject is an original.
    $25
  • eBay (peachyvtgg)
    Vintage R Wilson Hammell Sailor Girl Blank Lithograph Fold Out Ad Card 1930s/40
    Lithograph ad card, not an original painting.
    $20
  • Antiques Atlas
    PIN UP by R. Wilson Hammell- ADORABLE not a copy
    Price indicates this is likely a vintage print or ephemera, not an original.
    $19
  • Lake Erie Auctions· 2025-10-05
    Vintage Laughing Eyes by R Wilson Hammell with Thermostat
    Different object entirely (includes a thermostat).
    $16