12:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, February 5

Curators' Picks: February 5 - 6 Classic American Illustration Art Showcase Auction
Our curators picked their favorite items from our upcoming February 5 - 6 Classic American Illustration Art Showcase Auction.
| Sarahjane's Picks Sarahjane Blum | Director of Illustration Art
William Steig Don't Bother Me!..., New Yorker cartoon, January 10, 1931
William Steig has been called the King of Cartoons due to the more than 2600 drawings he contributed to The New Yorker, though today he is equally well known as the creator of Shrek. Being able to offer this work, published in 1931— just one year after his professional debut — as well as one of his color pieces from more than 50 years later is a reminder of the thoughtful curation that went into the Irvin Greif Collection of New Yorker Art. We are delighted to offer 45 works from the Greif collection in this upcoming sale, all of which are worth a look.
Arthur William Brown Roxana, The Saturday Evening Post interior, January 11, 1936
The Saturday Evening Post was one of the standard bearers of magazine story telling about the American experience in the 20th century and we are lucky to have a robust collection of works from the title in this sale. This piece by Arthur William Brown keeps catching my eye for the depth of its storytelling. Each figure is posed in such a way to communicate a world of nuance about the relationships, and to create incredible drama through just a held gaze.
| Meagen's Picks Meagen McMillan | Senior Consignment Director, Illustration Art
Howard Chandler Christy Seated Nude
Howard Chandler Christy is known for his dramatic brushwork, lush compositions, and elegant tone. This work reminds me of John Singer Sargent - elegant and bold while both romantic and realistic. This understated dichotomy captures the romance of the female form which Christy is clearly a master of.
Joseph Clement Coll Chantecler
The play Chantecler by Edmond Rostand debuted on Broadway in 1911 and has continuously been revitalized for the stage throughout the 20th century. The play’s allegorical tale of a rooster who believes his crowing makes the sun rise was widely read as a meditation on idealism, ego, and the role of the artist, sparking intense debate among critics and the public. It doubly amused the audience by seeing the all-star cast dressed in life sized chicken costumes parading across the stage – as seen in this artwork by the brilliant Joseph Clement Coll.
| Ezriel's Picks Ezriel Wilson | Cataloguer, Illustration Art
Arthur "Art" Fitzpatrick & Van Kaufman Pontiac Catalina Safari advertisement, 1965
Who wouldn’t be excited by such a standout selection of automobile advertisements by Arthur "Art" Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufman within the selection of automotive art from The Bob and Diane Yaspan Collection? Among the many highlights, this unique work promoting the Pontiac Catalina Safari is a personal favorite. Known simply as "Fitz and Van," the celebrated duo was brought onto the Pontiac account for their unmatched ability to create evocative scenes—transforming an affordable automobile into a vision of attainable luxury. With its sleek profile and promise of value, the Catalina Safari practically calls out for adventure—ready to transport skis to snowy slopes or cruise effortlessly through tropical surroundings. Add a sense of adventure to your collection today.
Frederic Varady Photo Shoot
This unidentified magazine interior Photo Shoot by Frederic Varady caught my attention with the artist’s ability to balance beauty at the center of bustling commotion. Intimately poised, the viewer is offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a leading lady rendered in a pin-up style, as chaotic behind the scenes film, costume, and lighting changes unfold rapidly around her. The surrounding shapes and gestures cohesively form a visual frame that draws the eye directly to the female figure at the center. Varady’s work frequently appeared in women’s magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Home Companion, and Ladies’ Home Journal , I can picture this image paired with a story of a woman on the verge of transformation-ready to step into her next paid persona...
Sincerely,
|  | Sarahjane Blum Director of Illustration Art SarahjaneB@HA.com (214) 409-1549
|  | Meagen McMillan Senior Consignment Director, Illustration Art MeagenM@HA.com (214) 409-1546
|  | Ezriel Wilson Cataloguer, Illustration Art EzrielW@HA.com (214) 409-1112