Original Art from the Grand Age of American Illustration
At the turn of the 20th century, Industrial Revolution inventions brought technological advancements to printmaking that ushered in a Golden Age of American illustration. Publishers and calendar companies developed new techniques for producing multi-color offset lithographs that were fast, affordable, and flat-out glorious to view, blurring the distinction between fine art and "art for commerce." The best examples by the finest commercial illustrators were revered by the public, and today are beloved by collectors.
An unusual pen & ink drawing by famed William Randolph Hearst illustrator Nell Brinkley, creator of the Brinkley Girl. This intricately detailed 1931 illustration offers satirical social commentary on the deliterious effects the ongoing Great Depression was having on economic health around the world. In this lighter take on troubled times, an enchanting Brinkley Girl and other assorted imp-ish friends try to soften the stern face on “Old Man Depression.”
Artist: Nell Brinkley
This is an absolutely exquisite pastel in the pre-Raphaelite style which depicts a climactic scene from “The Geste of Duke Joceyln.” Originally used as the frontispiece for the light verse novel by popular English author Jeffrey Farnol, the scene features the fetching Duchess Yolande being presented at court after winning the heart of Duke Jocelyn. This is a shining example of Eric Pape’s whimsical yet classic style of illustrating, and features remarkable use of color and detailing. Pape was a well-regarded and often-exhibited artist from the turn of the 20th century until his death in 1938. His original art is highly coveted and recently his pastel work has fetched $45,000.00 at Christies. This epic pastel is one of the nicest examples of Pape’s work I have come across.
Artist: Eric Pape
A genuinely magical illustration from the 1940 John C. Winston Co.’s publication of the Oscar Wilde classic The Happy Prince and Other Tales. This watercolor on board is a colorful and evocative rendering of the climactic scene from Wilde’s emotionally complex parable of Christian love. The illustration depicts the selfish giant gazing upon the boy who warmed his heart, as the boy bleeds from stigmata-like wounds. Everett Shinn was the youngest of a loosely associated group of New York-based social realist illustrators who were termed, by their critics, the Ashcan school, for their gritty style, often ugly depictions of humanity, and fixation on urban scenes. Shinn’s illustrators today are revered for the manner in which these themes are juxtaposed with gentle beauty.
Artist: Everett Shinn
An important and rare original cover illustration for Vogue Magazine by Eduardo Benito who did his first cover for Vogue in November 1921 . Along with George LePape , Helen Dryden , and George Plank, Benito was a frequent cover contributor and really came into his own and helped define the late 1920’s Jazz Age sophisticated angular geometric look.
Artist: Eduardo Benito
A Norman Rockwell-esque picturesque scene featuring a couple out for “a Sunday Drive” in the early 20th century. They are taking in the sights and showing off their 1908 Buick, in this 1940s produced Robert Berran idealized rendering of a bygone-era of rural Americana.
Artist: Robert Berran
A presumed cover painting for a 1915-1920 edition of a young peoples magazine most likely St. Nicholas for Boys and Girls (I have yet to locate the actual magazine this was used for). A confident Edwardian attired young lady enjoying the active life as was prescribed in such periodicals after the turn of the last century and post Victorian idealized, more petite, feminine beauty. Looks like the work of Charles Relyea or perhaps Norman Price another possible candidate would be Charles Chase Emerson all of whom did covers in numorous periodicals in this genre.
Artist: Unknown
A very stylized and decidedly mid-century modern period original gouache illustration by Edwin Georgi for an interior story in Redbook Magazine titled on verso Encounter on the Beach. Estate stamped and signed upper right, work is beautifully matted and framed. A defining example.
Artist: Edwin Georgi
A dramatic and rare, original Art Deco/Jazz Age watercolor of 3 nudes, dated 1929, and titled on verso The White Muse, of unknown application by noted illustrator and muralist Andre Durceneau. Defines the Art Deco Severe aesthetic and is a wonderful work. Primarily known as a painter and muralist, Andre Durenceau’s artistic oeuvre has spanned many years and many illustrations, and his work that survives is highly prized. Many consider him to be one of the greatest muralists of all time.
Artist: Andre Durenceau
A stylized and rare original art deco fantasy laden rendering of a nude Amazonian Warrior by noted illustrator and muralist Andre Durceneau. Almost platinum or golden age comic book-like in it’s execution. Nicely framed and matted in a period gesso frame. Primarily known as a painter and muralist, Andre Durenceau’s artistic oeuvre has spanned many years and many illustrations, and the work that survives is highly prized. Many consider him to be one of the greatest muralists of all time.
Artist: Andre Durenceau
A decidedly art deco jazz age original cover illustration for Judge Magazine signed F. Hanley lower right. Titled Feeding The Flames for the February 7, cover a topical great depression humorous depiction. Gouache painting is displayed in a great period ornate carved gesso frame.
Artist: Frank Hanley
