""Three-Fingered Jenny" McClure's Magazine" Lot no. 3310
By James Montgomery Flagg (1877-1960)
1916 (Estimated)
21.50" x 27.00"
Ink on Board
Signed Lower Right
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Story illustration for “Three-Fingered Jenny” by C.N. and A.M. Williamson (Alice Muriel Williamson) for McClure’s Magazine, published February 1916, page 24.
The full caption reads “He jumped as if I had shot him. ‘I—thought I’d locked the door,’ he stammered.”
The startled reaction, 'I—thought I’d locked the door,' reveals a moment of palpable tension, indicative of the gripping mystery at the heart of “Three-Fingered Jenny.” This narrative, the third in Charles Norris and Alice Muriel Williamson's popular “Lord John's Journal” series, positions its titular hero not merely as a detective, but as a reluctant Cupid, adding a romantic dimension to the intrigue. Originally published in McClure’s Magazine, accompanied by James Montgomery Flagg's striking illustrations, the “Lord John” adventures transitioned to the silver screen shortly after their publication, captivating audiences in Edward LeSaint's five-part silent film series, with William Garwood portraying the charismatic Lord John. Notably, Universal's film adaptation, scripted by Harvey Gates, amplified the story's subtle Egyptian undertones, enhancing the cinematic experience.
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See all original artwork by James Montgomery Flagg
ABOUT THE ARTIST
James Montgomery Flagg lived with gusto. He epitomized the public concept of the handsome, bohemian artist, surrounded by beautiful models, dashing off pictures with sheer exuberance of talent. In Flagg’s case, this was nearly true. He worked rapidly and easily in all media and with any subject matter. Humor and satire were his special forte.
Early in his career he did a cartoon entitled “Nervy Nat,” and for many years he illustrated the zany characters of the P. G. Wodehouse stories and created the prototypical interpretation of the valet, “Jeeves.” His rapid portrait studies and incisive caricatures were prized by many prominent sitters.
For over thirty years he turned out an immense amount of work, including many posters during World War I. Probably his best known illustration was the famous “I Want You” Uncle Sam recruiting poster. Over four million copies of this were printed and distributed throughout the country.
Flagg was a painter of serious portraits, too. He exhibited in the Paris salon of 1900, at the National Academy of Design, and the New York Watercolor Club. He was elected to the Illustrators Hall of Fame in 1980.