Ludwig Bemelmans, Edward Gorey, and Robert Shore Illustrations to Auction

Swann's Illustration Art auction returns on December 14 featuring artwork published in a wide variety of magazines and books, as well as work from calendars, posters, costume and fashion design, cartoons, and more. 

Going under the hammer are two rare pieces that have never been to auction or on exhibit created by Ludwig Bemelmans for the Office of War Information (OWI). Established in June 1942, the OWI was responsible for developing programs to inform the public and promote war efforts. The informational works were designed to encourage the Allies to keep fighting, support unliberated countries to maintain their struggle and weaken the will of the Axis powers. Lot 193 is Bemelmans' Sky and Sea Landscape gouache on board, circa 1942 (estimate $10,000 - $15,000) and lot 194 is his Still Life with Wine, Cheese, and Fruit, also circa 1942 (estimate $10,000 - $15,000). The sale also features an illustration from Bemelmans' Madeline's Christmas published on pages 18-19 of the original special insert in the Christmas edition of McCall's magazine, 1956, depicting the moment after which Madeline thaws the frozen merchant/magician (estimate: $30,000 - $40,000).

Other highlights include:

• a large Disney Western-themed background concept painting and multi-cel setup by Walt Peregoy for The Saga of Windwagon Smith (1961), a small production from which very little material has survived (estimate $1,500 - $2,000)
• a cover illustration by Arthur Getz for the New Yorker February 26, 1955, Sledding in Central Park (casein tempera on canvas, estimate $2,500 - $3,500)
• Robert Shore’s illustration for the limited edition version of From the Earth to the Moon and Around the Moon by Jules Verne in 1970, oil on board (estimate $1,500 - $2,000)
• Edward Gorey’s book jacket art for Fonthill, a Comedy by Aubrey Mennen, pen and ink with white gouache touch-ups, 1974 (estimate $5,000 - $7,500)