W. Harrison Cady (1877-1970)
Rhinoceros (Letter R), Unicorn (Letter U)
American: Early 20th Century
Pen and ink on stiff paper
Rhinoceros: 10 x 14 1/4 inches
Unicorn: 11 1/2 x 14 1/2 inches
$1,800, the pair
Alphabet Letter Original Illustration Art
W. Harrison Cady, Early 20th Century
W. Harrison Cady, Early 20th Century
 |
 |
Charming pair of drawings of animals by renowned American illustrator Harrison Cady. In this pair both animals are in formal attire, and each represents a letter of the alphabet noted in the lower right of the drawing. They were prepared for The Century Co., a publisher at the turn of the century. According to one source, they were published in a children's book called Happy Chaps.
Walter Harrison Cady was a successful illustrator known for his portrayals of animals and nature, which were at once strikingly detailed and naturalistic, yet placed into convincingly realized imaginative and magical settings. He apprenticed informally with a local painter in his hometown of Gardner, Massachusetts, but received no formal training. He began his art career as a newspaper artist at the turn of the 20th Century and had an astonishingly long and prolific career over 70 years, illustrating for publications such as St. Nicholas, Saturday Evening Post, Ladies' Home Journal, Good Housekeeping and the Herald Tribune Syndicate.
Unicorn Notes Verso: Inscribed "Cady" in crayon (not in artist's hand). Also inscribed in crayon, "St. N. Misc. C275." Stamped: "Art Department, The Century Co., 33 East 7th Street, New York City." Paper label: "Royal Engraving Company, 42 West 15th St., New York, No. 729." Stamped Serial Number: 19460. And with additional stamps and notes.
Rhinoceros Notes Verso: Inscribed "Cady" in crayon (not in artist's hand). Also inscribed in crayon St. N. Misc. C268.
Condition: Generally good with the usual expected toning, wear and scattered soiling. Pencil notations in right margin. Unicorn drawing is slightly larger than Rhinoceros but they can be framed and matted to same size.