Fulco Di Verdura (Italian 1898-1978) Gouache on Board Painting “Combat”, circa 1953, signed lower left Fulco ’53, in wood frame with linen and gilt liner. Fulco born in Palermo, Italy, and brought up in aristocratic surroundings, he gained the title of Duke of Verdura, and Marquis of Murata la Verda upon the death of his father in August 1923. In 1919 he met Linda and Cole Porter (two of his biggest supports and backers) in Palermo, and six years later, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, hired him as a textile designer.

Quickly identifying talents, Coco asked him to update the settings in the jewelry given to her by ex-lovers, including the Duke of Westminster, the Grand Duke of Dmitri, etc.. He then began an eight-year collaboration as head designer for Chanel jewelry. He left Chanel in 1934 for the United States.

He met Diana Vreeland, and was introduced to Paul Flato in Los Angeles, and started “Verdura for Flato”. He opened his own store called Verdura in New York at 712 Fifth Avenue with the backing of Cole Porter and Vincent Astor. In 1941 he collaborated with Salvador Dali in a collection of jewelry designs.

2.5 in. x 3.5 in. Framed 5.25 in. x 6 in.