Jun 24, 2021 - Sale 2574
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Sale 2574 - Lot 45

Unsold
Estimate: $ 3,000 - $ 4,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993)
"Porko von Popbutton." Together, 22 illustrations for book of the same title by Pène du Bois (New York: Harper & Row, 1969). Includes jacket page, title page and binding, spine for binding and jacket, and 19 interior illustrations. Mixed media, including pen, ink, watercolor, and gouache over graphite on paper; two with applied text/numbers.



Includes jacket page, title page and binding, spine for binding and jacket, and 19 interior illustrations. Image sizes vary from 115x115 mm; 4 1/2x4 1/2 inches to 230x335 mm; 9x13 1/4 inches. Sheets measure from 5 1/4x5 1/4 inches to 11 1/4x15 inches. Three signed "William Pène du Bois." Two mounted together on board with archival matte; remaining are loose. A copy of the book accompanies the lot.

A selection of these illustrations by Pène du Bois first appeared in the story's initial publication in Sports Illustrated, December 23, 1968, where it was originally titled "Beat the Queen." Sports Illustrated began publication in 1954, but the nascent magazine struggled to find an audience and operated at a loss for several years. In order to attract broader readership in the early days, the magazine reported on non-mainstream sports and occasionally ran a work of fiction. "Beat the Queen" is likely one of the only stories for children to be published in Sports Illustrated.

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.
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