A Newspaper-Astronomy Pun Cartoon
Read the Sun
Notes: Original pen-and-ink cartoon drawing. Roughly 8 by 6 inches (oblong), cut manually and not quite a rectangle.
This drawing makes a punning joke on the name of a (now defunct) New York newspaper, the Sun. Next to a "Read the Sun" sign, typical of those seen on news stands, is a telescope with a "5 cents" sign.
This unpublished drawing made for the New Yorker magazine dates from 1943 to 1946, when Williams was a staff illustrator. Only seven of his drawings ever appeared in The New Yorker during his three years there, but it did lead to a connection with New Yorker writer E. B. White, who recommended Williams to illustrate his children's books, Stuart Little and Charlotte's Web. Williams' career as an illustrator of beloved children's books began with E. B. White and continued for decades.
PROVENANCE: Williams (1912–1996) retired to Marfil, a small village outside of Guanajuato, Mexico. Twenty years after his death, many of his remaining drawings were sold to the public, including this one.
Edition + Condition: Pencilled "X" in lower right corner (probably indicating a rejected idea), else fine. Signed "G.W." in ink.
Publication: (1943-1945).
Item No: #361837
Price: $200