According to pulp writer Bill Cox, “George Gross could do exciting paintings even when there were no scantily clad damsels around, and what’s more amazing, Fiction House let him!” Of course, he could also do well with the scantily clad damsels.
These are paintings commissioned as cover art, but are not the covers themselves.
via Amusing Planet
I recognize a couple of these illustrations, specifically the first and third, being used on the cover of a series of paperback books that came out in the 70s called The Executioner.
I’ve spent way too many Saturdays lost on this site, and I thank you. Please don’t stop.