Imre Goth (Hungarian, 1893-1982), Dreaming Woman

Oil on canvas, 1930, signed and dated at lower right, retaining label en verso for The Rowley Gallery, Ltd. in London, framed.

Stretcher size 31 1/2 x 39 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 37 x 45 in.

Papillon Gallery, Los Angeles, California
Acquired from the above in 2016

Imre Goth was a Hungarian-born painter and portraitist who established his early career in Berlin during the culturally vibrant years of the Weimar Republic. His paintings from the 1920s reflected the era’s renewed interest in realism and contemporary life, often capturing its fashionable and theatrical milieu with wit and sophistication. With the rise of Nazi Germany, Goth, who was Jewish, fled Germany for England as part of the broader exodus of artists and intellectuals during the 1930s.

In England, Goth successfully reestablished himself as a society portraitist and became associated with the British film world through his friendship with producer Alexander Korda. He became particularly noted for his stylish portraits and drawings of film stars and other prominent figures, combining accomplished draftsmanship with an elegant understanding of character and fashion. Beyond his artistic career, Goth was also an inventor and is credited with developing designs related to parachutes, automobile lights, and bottle closures.

Minor abrasion to the blue ground above the sitter's shin; approximately 3/4-inch horizontal tear to the canvas above the sitter's shoe; scattered rubbing and chipping to the frame; separation at the frame corners, causing the canvas to sit loosely within the frame.