Lot 107: Pair of Vintage Jessie Willcox Smith (1863–1935) Children's Book Illustration Framed Lithographs

Description

A pair of charming vintage framed prints, illustrated by renowned American Golden Age illustrator Jessie Willcox Smith (1863–1935), depicting scenes that are featured in the fairy tale collection The Now-a-Days Fairy Book, written by Anna Alice Chapin. "The Three Bears" and "Beauty and the Beast," professionally framed by W. W. Lever & Sons, Wollongong. The Three Bears is often referred to as 'Goldilocks Gives Three Teddy Bears a Talking-To'. Key Details: * Origin/Era: Early to Mid-20th Century * Material: timber frames, glass * Style: Children's book illustration, whimsical * Framing: Professionally framed by W. W. Lever & Sons, 30 Flinders St, Nth Wollongong, NSW Condition: Minor scuffs and dings are present on the wooden frames, consistent with age. The paper backing on the frames is discolored and secured with tape. The prints themselves show some age-toning. Interesting fact: * Jessie Willcox Smith shared a home and studio with two other famous women artists, Violet Oakley and Elizabeth Shippen Green. People in town viewed them as local curiosities! They were known as the Red Rose Girls... (there's a wikipedia rabbit hole for you!) * She illustrated over 60 books, including classic stories like Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses. * Early 20th-century children's book illustrators established a distinctive style that heavily influenced popular art and design of the period. The market for illustrated books and prints from this era reflects a fascination with whimsical, often allegorical, imagery that captured the imagination of both children and adults. Use: Ideal for collectors of vintage illustration art, or for adding a nostalgic touch to a child's room, nursery, or a vintage-inspired interior.

Condition Report

Minor scuffs and dings to the wooden frames, consistent with age. Paper backing on frames is discolored and secured with tape. Prints show some age-toning.

Specifications