I know that Constantin J. David was a force in the modern art and early motion picture worlds, and I've found numerous motion pictures written and directed by this pioneer... As well as the many organizations that he started for modern art and motion pictures.

I have a signed original piece of art by Constantin David with an early hand-typed biography affixed to the back of the painting. In my research I have found a lot of information on the man and his background but not a single piece of painted artwork.

Question: Is this piece of any value?

Many Thanks.

Dear Smogjam,

I don't know about the value of his work. But am interested in his first wife the actor Kathe von Nagy (Kate de Nagy) , married to him for a short time in the mid-1920s. She acted in at least two of his 1920s German films before becoming a big star in 1930s German, French, and Italian films. Kate de Nagy came to the U.S. from Paris, probably after 1947, and ended up teaching French at Happy Valley School, Ojai, California. She was my French teacher. No one knew much about her. Anything you know about their marriage and possible connection after would be welcome.
Please e-mail me at [email protected]. Arthur Hughes

Smogjam and Arthur,

Constantin j. David was my father. You can email me at [email protected].

Ariane David