Entitled "Figure Umber"

About the Artist

May Bender

1921–2011

May Bender (1921–2011) was an American industrial designer known for her pioneering work in mid-20th-century packaging and cosmetics design. A prodigy from a young age, she began her career experimenting with color lithography before becoming design director at Lane-Bender, Inc. in Manhattan. In 1968, she founded May Bender Industrial Design (MBID), where she created refined, hand-crafted packaging long before the digital era. Working with major brands like Helena Rubinstein, Yardley, and Conair, Bender elevated packaging into an art form through her meticulous, hands-on approach. A respected leader and educator, she served as president of the Package Designers Council and received numerous awards, including a Clio. Her work reflects a deep understanding of both aesthetics and the cultural forces shaping modern design.

Artist Documents:

• Biography

Artist: May Bender (1921–2011)

Date of Creation: 1971

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Subject: Figurative/Portrait

Dimensions: 51 x 42 x 1.5"

Framed: No

Signed: Yes

Signature Details: Signed lower right

Shipping & Delivery

This is an oversized work and will be shipped using our professional white-glove shippers. Please allow 4–6 weeks for delivery. You will be notified by email when your shipment is scheduled and again at pickup, and you will be given the name and phone number of your assigned shipper.