""The divine Meriel drifting down from heaven, singing as the very soul of t" Lot no. 4774
By McClelland Barclay (American- 1891-1943)
1934 (Estimated)
40" x 30", Framed 52" x 42"
Oil on Canvas
Signed Lower Right
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Story illustration for “Love Song” by Rupert Hughes for Hearst’s International Combined with Cosmopolitan, published July 1934.
The full caption reads: “The last act of a great American opera — and the divine Meriel drifting down from heaven, singing as the very soul of the carillon bells!”
“Love Song” chronicles the path to stardom for singer Meriel Lawton, detailing her rise from her discovery in a small Midwestern town to her eventual success as a prima donna with the Metropolitan Opera Company. Meriel's professional life is intertwined with personal drama, including a love triangle with her former fiancé, a tumultuous marriage to the talented composer Emil Woodring, and a subsequent affair with an Italian musician. The story culminates with Meriel’s secret marriage to the fiery conductor, Georges de Cavenac, following the success of Emil Woodring’s second opera.
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See all original artwork by McClelland Barclay
ABOUT THE ARTIST
McClelland Barclay was commissioned a Lieutenant Commander, U.S.N.R., during World War II and contributed many posters, illustrations and officer portraits for the Navy before being reported missing in action, in the Pacific Theatre, aboard an L.S.T. which was torpedoed.
Before the war, Barclay was most noted for his ability to paint strikingly beautiful women, as best exemplified by his long running series for General Motors illustrating the slogan, “Body by Fisher.” Some of his other advertising clients included Lever Brothers Co., Frigidaire, A&P, Eaton papers, Crane and Pike Company, Elgin Watches, and especially Humming Bird Hosiery. He also illustrated fiction for most of the large-circulation magazines.
Sculpture was another facet of the artist’s career, and his McClelland Barclay Art Products Corporation produced a whole line of three-dimensional decorative products.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Barclay was a student of H. C. Ives, George Bridgman and Thomas Fogarty. He was a member of the Artists Guild, the Art Students League of New York, and the Society of Illustrators.