Jean Harlow Portrait Photograph By George Hurrell

Updated August 27, 2026

Lot number	55
Auction	Sept 15th - High-End Coin Op, Antique, Advertising Auction
Date	September 15, 2026 at 5:00 PM MST
Auction house	Pot of Gold Auctions
Location	Avondale, Arizona

Excellent selection of a Jean Harlow framed portrait, perfect for any Golden Age of Hollywood collector or enthusiast. The portrait appears to be taken by famous portrait photographer George Hurrell with a notation of 1937. A side profile of Harlow is presented with her looking at an upward angle. She is shown wearing glittering sequence dress. The overall portrait is presented in black and white, showcasing excellent light and shadow positioning. Jean Harlow (b. Harlean Carpenter 1911-1937) was the American actress who defined the 1930’s Hollywood glamour era. Known as the original “Blond Bombshell,” her distinct platinum-blonde hair set a global fashion standard. She was MGM’s (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) biggest female box-office draw during the Great Depression. She tragically died at the young age of 26 on June 7, 1937 due to kidney failure, something that was a reciprocal cause from her severe bout of scarlet fever. George Hurrell (1904-1992) was a master American photographer who invented the “Hollywood Glamour” portrait. As the head of photography for MGM studios in the 1930s, he single-handedly shaped the public images of cinema’s greatest icons. Instead of the softer focus of 1920’s photography, he instead developed a sharp, dramatic signature style with chiaroscuro lighting (direct spotlighting to induce deep shadow placement) and heavy negative retouching. One interesting note is that it appears that at one point this framed picture might have been hung in the main lobby of Paramount Picture Studios per a note located on the back of the frame. This creates a bit of a puzzle as photographer George Hurrell was the head of photography for MGM and Jean Harlow was MGM’s biggest contracted star during her era. Both did not formally work for Paramount. Where the connection appears to be made is that in 1965, Paramount Pictures produced “Harlow” a film about the actress starring Carroll Baker. During this promotion, Paramount acquired multiple prints from MGM in which some were placed in locations like corporate offices to celebrate the release. The photograph is a stunning black and white representation that was framed, matted, and placed under glass. The overall full selection measures 31.5” H x 27” W with the interior photo being approx. 19” H x 16” W. The frame displays unique mirrored properties set to sparkle when the right light hits it. The frame does have some considerable wear due to the elements of time, but it easily appears that the internal photograph is in good condition. Due to the size and weight, we cannot ship this item. If you require shipping and cannot pick it up in person, please contact a third-party shipper for a shipping quote before placing a bid. If you need shipping recommendations, please contact us at [email protected]. View our full catalog of quality items up for auction at: POGAuctions.com Tag Words: Golden Age of Hollywood, George Hurrell, Jean Harlow, MGM, Paramount, 1930’s, Great Depression, Hollyw

Jean Harlow Portrait Photograph By George Hurrell

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