A collection of seven period illustrations by Jessie Wilcox Smith, one of the most seminal artists from the golden age of American illustration. All pieces feature women and children in Smith's signature style.

The Centerpiece: Red Riding Hood

The centerpiece of the collection is "Red Riding Hood," an exquisite painting that depicts Little Red Riding Hood herself in a vivid red cloak with the big bad wolf, easily twice her size, leering over her shoulder. A stunning example of Smith's mastery of narrative illustration.

Additional Pieces

• Cover for American magazine
• "Diamond and His Mother by the Ocean" - period print
• "The collar was the worst part of the business" - period print
• Three smaller prints (titles uncertain)

Condition & Presentation

All pieces are in good to excellent condition. One of the smaller prints does have a ripple from what appears to be a mounting error. All pieces are mounted but none are framed. Note - two of these pieces have illustrations mounted on the front and the reverse.

Dimensions:

• Three largest pieces: approximately 14" × 9.25"
• Two smaller pieces: approximately 9" × 8.25"
• Magazine cover: approximately 10.5" × 8"
• Smallest piece (with ripple): approximately 8.5" × 7.75"

About Jessie Wilcox Smith

Jessie Wilcox Smith illustrated more than 60 books, created all of the Good Housekeeping covers from December 1917-1933, and worked for many other publications including Century, Collier's, Harper's, Scribner's, and others.

She graduated from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and studied with Howard Pyle at the Drexel Institute (which he founded). She has been acclaimed as the greatest illustrator of children's books and embodies the opportunities for female artists that the golden age of American illustration afforded.

A rare opportunity to acquire a curated collection of work by one of the era's most celebrated illustrators.