Auction Highlights — Illustration Art: Featuring The Collection of Lee Lorenz — June 17, 2025

At Auction Tuesday, June 17 at 12 PM ET

Norman Rockwell & Original Illustration Art From Classic Children’s Literature

Among the standouts are four works by Norman Rockwell: two early pencil portraits, offering a glimpse into the master’s creative process, and two early finished, published oil paintings. Fans of classic children’s literature will be delighted by a drawing of Arthur from Babar by Laurent de Brunhoff, as well as a rare preliminary drawing for Maurice Sendak’s Sundance Children’s Theatre poster, an exciting find for collectors of the Where the Wild Things Are creator’s work. 

The Lee Lorenz Collection

Swann is thrilled to present an array of illustration, cartoon, and animation art, including a special section dedicated to New Yorker artwork from the esteemed collection of long-time art director Lee Lorenz. This sale celebrates the brilliance of legendary illustrators, from beloved children’s book artists to pioneering cartoonists and animators.  

Original Cartoon, Comic, and Animation Illustration Art

In addition to the Lorenz New Yorker collection, the auction will feature a range of cartoon, comic, and animation artwork.  This includes a rendering of Arthur from Laurent De Brunhoff’a Babar., original comic strip art by the legendary Frank King, and a selection of animation cels featuring beloved characters like Snoopy, The Simpsons, and Snow White’s dwarfs.  

Original Book Illustrations

The sale showcases exceptional works from the world of book illustration, featuring pieces by Miguel Covarrubias, Arthur Rackham, and Ludwig Bemelmans. A standout highlight is Arthur Szyk’s enchanting Thumbelina illustration from Andersen’s Fairy Tales, a masterpiece of meticulous detail. Paperback cover fans will also find originals by Stanley Zuckerberg, Verne Tossey, and Stanley Borack. 

Original Magazine, Theater & Advertising Illustrations

The auction also features a selection of illustrations from magazines, theater, and advertising, showcasing the talents of Russell Patterson, Robert Edmond Jones, and Vince Cullers. Fans of Edward Gorey’s signature macabre style will be drawn to a grouping of eerie bat drawings, created as preparatory works for the Broadway production of Dracula.  

This auction is a rare opportunity to acquire works by some of the most influential artists of the twentieth century, whether you’re a dedicated collector, an art enthusiast, or simply drawn to the nostalgia of classic illustration.