A Newspaper-Astronomy Pun Cartoon
Original Unpublished New Yorker Cartoon
Notes: Original pen-and-ink cartoon drawing. Roughly 11 by 8-1/2 inches (oblong).
This drawing depicts a well-dressed man blowing a post horn (a brass instrument to announce the arrival of the mail) while holding a bouquet of flowers behind his back. A woman in a night gown prepares to hit him with a baseball bat.
This unpublished drawing made for the New Yorker magazine dates from 1943 to 1946, when Williams was a staff illustrator.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: Small holes in the right margin, with a bit of creasing to the upper edge, not affecting the drawing. Signed "GW" in ink.
Publication: (1943-1945).
Item No: #361838
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