GARTH WILLIAMS, (AMERICAN 1912-1996)
WATERCOLORS, GRAPHITE AND INK ON CARD STOCK
This LARGE original concept watercolor illustration was originally intended for the book “Do You Know What I’ll Do” which was illustrated by Garth Williams. and written by Charlotte Zolotow.
Matted, Framed and Glazed to 23.5″ x 19.5″.The art comes with impeccable provenance having been acquired directly from the estate of Garth Williams via auction. Signed in full signature lower right “Garth Williams”.
A spectacular original watercolor by Garth Williams. This extraordinary painting is an unused concept piece intended for this book. Especially unique having been rendered in vibrant watercolors (we have only handled two watercolor paintings by Williams that were created for book illustrations.) The painting is rendered in watercolor, graphite and ink with quoted captions in graphite in the hand of Garth Williams placed along both the top and the bottom of the art. Along the top edge is written “Do You Know What I’ll Do?”, and “Harper & Brothers/ 49 E 33. NYC”, the lower caption placed along the bottom is “text: Do you know what I’ll do when it snows? / I’ll make you a snow man”. The art depicts the little girl in a blue hooded coat, her dark hair in stark contrast with the snowy background rendered so eloquently by Williams. Held in her red mittens is a ball of snow which she is using to build the snowman. The large snowman has branches for its nose and mouth. The entire scene occurs during a whirling snowfall with each snow flake spotted perfectly throughout the art. Her peaceful, warm expression is contagious for the viewer. The story of “Do You Know What I’ll Do?” is about an older sister caring for her younger sibling. This concept piece has immense detail, with the art signed by Garth Williams in full signature lower right “Garth Williams”. Publishers notes/lines are present. Newly framed, matted and glazed, in a wavy white glossy frame using all archival materials and UV acrylic. The art is in fine condition with a small glue stain along the top.
Matted, Framed and Glazed to 23.5″ x 19.5″
The art sheet by sight is 14.75″ x 10.5″
PROVENANCE
Ex. The Estate of Garth Williams. The art was purchased from an auction house , who in turn acquired these pieces direct from the estate of Garth Williams. Each piece is an original and sold directly from his estate. A copy of the original invoice will be included with each piece, and will provide both provenance and authenticity for the art.
**Garth Williams was a prominent illustrator of several of the most prominent children’s books including Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte’s Web (1952), The Cricket In Times Square, and The Rescuers (1959). Many of his original illustrations from these book have sold attaining high premiums, including his original illustration of the dust jacket for Charlotte’s Web which realized $155,000 at auction in 2010, and between $10,000 and $75,000 for original artwork of the interior pages. Other notable auction pricing of Williams original illustrations include sales of the original artwork for the interior pages of Stuart Little which also averaged in the $15,000 range per piece.
