Original Bette Davis Aquatone Publicity Portrait, c. 1930s | Warner–First National Studio Find

The Piece

This original Hollywood studio publicity portrait depicts Bette Davis reclining in a softly lit studio setting, captured during the early phase of her Warner Bros career. The composition emphasizes classic 1930s glamour—controlled lighting, sculptural shadows, and an intimate, confident gaze emblematic of the era’s star-making machinery.

Printed using the aquatone photomechanical process, the image exhibits the fine tonal gradation and matte surface characteristic of early 20th-century studio ephemera. The printed signature beneath the image is part of the original studio design, intended for wide press distribution rather than individual autographing.

The lower margin bears the studio credit “A Warner–First National Star,” a designation used briefly in the early 1930s following Warner Bros’ acquisition of First National Pictures. This branding, along with the aquatone printing note, places the work confidently within the circa 1932–1935 period.

Origin & Context

This piece was produced by Warner Bros publicity departments and distributed to theaters, newspapers, and press outlets as part of promotional campaigns for studio films. It was never intended as a consumer product or fine art print, but rather as working Hollywood ephemera, meant to be pinned, mailed, and handled—an origin reflected in its surviving condition.

Condition

Authentic vintage condition consistent with age and original use.

• Visible edge wear and paper toning

• Pin holes at corners from original mounting

• Central horizontal fold from period mailing

• No restoration or alteration

Condition has been preserved as-found to maintain historical integrity.

Studio Find

This work is offered as a Studio Find—an authentic period piece with verified age and studio origin, but without individual provenance or archival documentation. It is not a limited edition, hand-signed photograph, or gallery-issued print, and is priced accordingly.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This is a quietly powerful piece of early Hollywood history—ideal for collectors of film ephemera, moody interiors, libraries, dressing rooms, or spaces that value authenticity over reproduction. Its imperfections are not flaws but evidence of a working object from the Golden Age of American cinema.

Details

• Medium: Aquatone photomechanical print on paper

• Date: Circa 1932–1935

• Origin: United States

• Studio: Warner Bros / First National Pictures

• Dimensions: Approx. standard studio publicity size

• Condition: Vintage, unaltered

Optional Custom Framing
This piece is offered unframed to preserve transparency and allow collectors to display it according to their own taste.

Custom framing is available upon request. Clients may select from a curated range of vintage or reproduction frames, conservation matting, and UV-protective glazing. Framing costs are quoted separately based on frame selection and materials.

If you would like this piece framed by Viridian Eclection prior to shipment, please contact us before purchase or note your request at checkout.