Hugh Tray (XX century) from Roger Prigent Collection
NAME: Figures in the Park, 1932
MEDIUM: Original Oil on Canvas
SIGNATURE: Signed and dated Hugh Tray 1932
SIZE: 54 1/4 x 36 1/4 inches (137.8 x 92.1 cm)
IMAGE is ACTUAL ARTWORK
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Hugh Tray is a 20th century artist with a unique perspective. So unique that Roger Prigent, who pronounced his name the French way – Ro-jay PRE-jhawn - had it in his collection for years. Roger was famous as a fashion photographer and as a premier antiques dealer in New York City’s Upper East Side. Having worked with Lillian Bassman (his boss) early on in his career. He appeared in magazines like: Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Ladies’ Home Journal, TV Guide, McCall’s, and Paris Match. He photographed fashion models such as Dovima, Dorian Leigh, and Suzy Parker, as well as, actors such as Phoebe Cates, Faye Dunaway, and Jane Fonda. Alice Cooper and Barbra Streisand both used Prigent portraits on album covers. (Barbra’s album cover: https://www.barbra-archives.info/my-name-is-barbra-two-sequel-1965-album)
His shop; Malmaison, was named after Josephine Bonaparte’s country house in Paris and was filled with a surprisingly wide range of objects and styles. His true passion was French Empire and he truly brought the French Empire to NYC. The shop was originally located on East 10th Street was all about high style. As you strolled through the shop you noticed the rooms that were crowded with gilt-wood, mahogany, Lucite, crystal and bronze. Roger was known for throwing dinner parties that were attended by journalists, decorators, politicians, and included connoisseurs and neighbors. When his eyesight started to fail, he moved the shop to his three-story brownstone nearby.
Roger was never married. He was survived by his sister.
We are proud to have one of the items from his collection and find this work to be truly unique.