Jun 24, 2021 - Sale 2574

Sale 2574 - Lot 44

Price Realized: $ 3,750
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 4,000 - $ 6,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993)
"Elisabeth the Cow Ghost." Together, nearly complete group of 31 illustrations for book of the same title by Pène du Bois (New York: Viking Press, 1964). Pen and ink on paper; one with printed text pastedown.



Includes the cover, interior jacket flap, front endpaper, false title page, title page, copyright/dedication page, interior pages 7, 8-9, 10-11, 12, 14-15, 16, 18, 22-23, 24-25, 26-27, 30-31, 32, 34-35, 38-39, 40, back endpaper. Image sizes vary from 135x160 mm; 5 1/4x6 1/4 inches, to 255x385 mm; 10x15 inches. The smallest sheet measures 11 1/2x8 inches, but most are 11 1/2x15 1/2 inches. Page 31 signed "William Pène du Bois" near lower right image and page 7 is initialed "W. P. du B." in lower right image; the remaining are unsigned. Two mounted individually on board with archival matte, another firmly adhered to non-archival cardboard with old matte that has Viking Press label on verso; remaining are loose.

This group of illustrations is from the 1964 reissue of Pène du Bois' first book, which was originally published in 1936 with different illustrations.

Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.