L HURD / HURD(1888 --- 1940)
According to an auction source and using online death indexes, this illustrator goes by the name of Louis Hurd and resided in New York City area. Hurd's earlier commercial works, such as the Arrow shirt ads were copyrighted from 1910 to the 1920's, and display a simplistic nature and little detail compared to his later works with Esquire/Apparel Arts.
The Fashion Institute of Technology's special collection in Manhattan does not possess any record or account of this illustrator. There is at least one explanation, mainly that most artists during this period operated as freelance contributors, akin to modern-day consultant/contract work. If their contributions enhanced the marketing advertisements of varying publications, this in turn would open more opportunities for long-term employment. Furthermore, Hurd may have attended the Academie Julian in France as did Laurence Fellows, whose artwork placed much emphasis on detail during their time with Esquire, especially during the 1930's decade. Hurd's illustrations contain characteristics that distinguish themselves apart from other artists. There are distinctive facial patterns, such as the flush or shading on the cheeks. He sketches their eyes with almost straight but parenthetical curve; however, when sketching close-ups, he emphasizes the eyes with more detail. |
Sources:
https://www.facebook.com/181001684195/photos/pcb.10152933045844196/10152933044644196/?type=3
https://www.facebook.com/181001684195/photos/pcb.10152933045844196/10152933044644196/?type=3