William Sherman Pène du Bois Paintings & Artwork for Sale | William Sherman Pène du Bois Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Luke with Dinosaurs. [CHILDRENS]
Est: $500 - $750
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Luke with Dinosaurs. Story illustration from The Planet of Lost Things by Mark Strand (New York: C.N. Potter, 1982). Watercolor and graphite on paper. 153x190 mm; 6x7 1/2 inches, on 7 1/4x9 1/4-inch sheet. Signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower left image. Pène du Bois' illustrations perfectly capture the fantastical imaginary world where all things that go missing on Earth eventually end up. The story begins with Luke, who falls asleep and is transported to The Planet of Lost Things via rocket ship. There, he meets The Missing Person and The Unknown Soldier, who lead him through a landscape inhabited by dinosaurs, lost pets, and misplaced keys, umbrellas, socks, and mittens. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Luke in the Cockpit of the Rocket. [CHILDRENS]
Est: $500 - $750
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Luke in the Cockpit of the Rocket. Story illustration from The Planet of Lost Things by Mark Strand (New York: C.N. Potter, 1982). Watercolor and graphite on paper. 170x170 mm; 6 1/2x6 1/2 inches, on 7 1/4x9 1/4-inch sheet. Signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image. Pène du Bois' illustrations perfectly capture the fantastical imaginary world where all things that go missing on Earth eventually end up. The story begins with Luke, who falls asleep and is transported to The Planet of Lost Things via rocket ship. There, he meets The Missing Person and The Unknown Soldier, who lead him through a landscape inhabited by dinosaurs, lost pets, and misplaced keys, umbrellas, socks, and mittens. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Bedtime * Arrival * Departure. [CHILDRENS]
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Bedtime * Arrival * Departure. Together, three story illustrations from The Planet of Lost Things by Mark Strand (New York: C.N. Potter, 1982). Watercolor and graphite on paper. Bedtime is140x155; 5 1/2x6 1/4 inches, on 7 1/4x9 1/4-inch sheet. Arrival is 180x80; 7x3 1/4 inches, on 7 1/4x4 1/2-inch sheet. Departure is 165x80; 6 1/2x3 inches, on 7 1/4x4 1/2-inch sheet. All signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image. Pène du Bois' illustrations perfectly capture the fantastical imaginary world where all things that go missing on Earth eventually end up. The story begins with Luke, who falls asleep and is transported to The Planet of Lost Things via rocket ship. There, he meets The Missing Person and The Unknown Soldier, who lead him through a landscape inhabited by dinosaurs, lost pets, and misplaced keys, umbrellas, socks, and mittens. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) "The Planet of Lost Things." * Lost Key Tree. [CHILDRENS]
Est: $800 - $1,200
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) "The Planet of Lost Things." * Lost Key Tree. Together, title-page and interior story illustration from The Planet of Lost Things by Mark Strand (New York: C.N. Potter, 1982). Watercolor and graphite on paper. Each approximately 140x205 mm; 5 1/4x8 1/4 inches, on 7 1/4x9 1/4-inch sheets. Title-page signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image; story illustration is unsigned. Pène du Bois' illustrations perfectly capture the fantastical imaginary world where all things that go missing on Earth eventually end up. The story begins with Luke, who falls asleep and is transported to The Planet of Lost Things via rocket ship. There, he meets The Missing Person and The Unknown Soldier, who lead him through a landscape inhabited by dinosaurs, lost pets, and misplaced keys, umbrellas, socks, and mittens. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) "Big Eyes..." * "Big Hands..." * "Big Teeth...." [CHILDRENS / FAIRY TALE / RED RIDING HOOD]
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) "Big Eyes..." * "Big Hands..." * "Big Teeth...." Together, three double-spread storyboards for pages 20-25 of Little Red Riding Hood illustrated by Pène du Bois (New York: Random House, 1978). Watercolor and graphite on paper. Each individual illustration is approximately 130x175 mm; 5 1/4x6 3/4; double-spread story boards are on 8 1/2x16 1/2-inch sheets. Each illustration signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image. Two matted; one unmatted. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) "Little Red Riding Hood." [CHILDRENS / FAIRY TALE]
Est: $600 - $900
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) "Little Red Riding Hood." Cover illustration for Little Red Riding Hood illustrated by Pène du Bois (New York: Random House, 1978). Watercolor and graphite on paper. 150x210 mm; 5 3/4x8 1/4 inches, on 6 3/4x8 3/4-inch sheet. Signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image. Tipped to board with window matte. This illustration was printed in reverse on the published cover. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Little Red Riding Hood with Basket & Bouquet. [CHILDRENS / FAIRY TALE]
Est: $250 - $350
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) Little Red Riding Hood with Basket & Bouquet. Story illustration for Little Red Riding Hood illustrated by Pène du Bois (New York: Random House, 1978). Watercolor and graphite on paper. 78x73 mm; 3x3 inches, on 6 1/2x7 1/2-inch sheet. Unsigned. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) William's Doll. [CHILDRENS / GENDER]
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS (1916-1993) William's Doll. Together, 16 storyboard illustrations for an alternate cover and nearly complete interior pages of book of the same name by Charlotte Zolotow (New York: Harper & Row, 1972). Watercolor and graphite on paper, most with applied text. Image sizes vary, sheets each measure 275x375 mm; 11x14 3/4 inches. Several signed "William Pène du Bois" in image area. Hinged to boards with paper mattes, with the exception of the alternate cover sheet, which is loose. Lot excludes pages 18-19 and 26-27. William's Doll was one of the first children's books to address nontraditional gender stereotypes and is commonly utilized by teachers in the classroom for lessons against intolerance and to introduce students to the concept of sex-stereotyping. The story follows a young boy who desperately desires a doll to care for, much to the chagrin of his father who insists on providing toys he deems more gender-appropriate, such as basketballs and train sets. While William enjoys these toys, he continues to wish for a doll, and endures the bullying of his brother and the neighborhood children who call him 'creepy' and label him a 'sissy.' Eventually, William's understanding grandmother buys him a doll with curly eyelashes, a long white dress, and a bonnet. When William's father objects, she explains, 'He needs it…to hug and to cradle and to take to the park so that when he's a father like you, he'll know how to take care of his baby…' (pages 31-32). Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul. 16, 2020
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "The Hare and the Tortoise and The Tortoise and the Hare." [CHILDREN'S / AESOP / FABLE]
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "The Hare and the Tortoise and The Tortoise and the Hare." Together, group of 27 illustrations on 24 sheets for book jacket, half title page, and pages 2, 3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 21, 22, 24-25, 26, 29, 30, 33, 34, 37, 38, 41, 42, 45, and 48 of book of the same name by William Pène du Bois and Lee Po (New York: Doubleday, 1972). Mixed media, including pen, ink, watercolor, gouache, and graphite on paper. Image sizes vary; most are approximately 140x193 mm; 5 1/2x7 1/2 inches, with most sheets measuring 6 1/4x8 1/4 inches. Most signed "William Pène du Bois." Some mounted to board and matted. See condition report for complete image set. This lot features a selection of illustrations for a re-imagining of Aesop's classic fable. The first story, written by Pène du Bois, adopts the traditional narrative of the arrogant hare competing against the tortoise, who, not content with being dull and reliable, is surprisingly adventurous in her efforts to cross the finish line. In the second story, Lee Po reverses the narrative by casting the tortoise as sly and villainous in his attempts to entrap the hare. Pène du Bois' artwork enlivens the classic tale, especially with his psychedelic 1970s depictions of the tortoise's undersea realm. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul. 16, 2020
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "Pretty Pretty Peggy Moffitt." [CHILDREN'S / FASHION / RUDI GERNREICH / MOD]
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "Pretty Pretty Peggy Moffitt." Together, group of 16 illustrations on 15 sheets for a book of the same name by William Pène du Bois (New York: Harper & Row, 1968). Includes jacket page/copyright page, back of jacket/opposite copyright page, title page, and pages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13-14, 20, 22, and 23. Pen, ink and watercolor on paper; some with cellotape lettering. Image sizes vary, from 50x90 mm; 1 3/4x3 3/4 inches to 180x110 mm; 7x4 1/2 inches. Sheets measure from 2 1/2x4 1/4 inches to 7 3/4x11 inches. Two signed "William Pène du Bois." Two mounted together on board with matte. See condition report for complete image set. Accompanied by mock-up of text with printed illustrations. Pène du Bois describes the dangers of vanity in this moralizing project. The tale follows a young girl who distractedly admires her beauty in all of the reflective surfaces she passes instead of watching where she is going. She gets bumped, bruised, and battered as she stumbles through life until an ill-timed tumble into a coal chute brings her to her senses. The story is based on the fashion model Peggy Moffitt, whose distinctive heavy eye makeup and 'five-point' Vidal Sassoon hairstyle contributed to her status as a style icon of the 1960s. Her signature mod look was the inspiration for Rudi Gernreich, whose designs were the basis for all of her fashionable outfits in the book. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul. 16, 2020
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "Lion." [CHILDREN'S]
Est: $600 - $900
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "Lion." Story illustration for Lion by William Pène du Bois (New York: Viking Press, 1956). Mixed media, including pen, ink, colored pencil, metallic paint, and graphite on paper. 330x375 mm; 13x14 1/2 inches; on 19 1/2x17 3/4-inch sheet. Signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image. Pène du Bois was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his illustrations in Lion. This illustration appears on a double-page spread showing the evolving prototype of a lion, which is being designed and perfected by a foreman at an animal factory before it is created and sent to earth. What starts out as a silly looking multi-colored striped creature eventually becomes the regal animal we know today. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jul. 16, 2020
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "Lion." [CHILDREN'S]
Est: $600 - $900
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. "Lion." Illustration published in interior story and on cover (with a variation in typography) of Lion by William Pène du Bois (New York: Viking Press, 1956). Mixed media, including pen, ink, colored pencil, metallic paint, and graphite on paper. 330x375 mm; 13x14 1/2 inches; on 19 1/2x17 3/4-inch sheet. Signed "William Pène du Bois" in lower right image. Pène du Bois was awarded a Caldecott Honor for his illustrations in Lion. This illustration appears on the cover and on the interior in a double-page spread showing the evolving prototype of a lion, which is being designed and perfected by a foreman at an animal factory before it is created and sent to earth. What starts out as a silly looking multi-colored striped creature eventually becomes the regal animal we know today. Pène du Bois' whimsical illustrations and beloved cast of characters made serious themes accessible and engaging for children. The American author and illustrator is among a select few who have been presented with both a Newbery Medal (for The Twenty-One Balloons, 1947) and Caldecott Honors (for Bear Party, 1951 and Lion, 1956). As both artist and author, Pène du Bois captivated generations of readers with his unique combination of humor and imagination.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 11, 2020
William Pène du Bois (American, 1916-1993) Taking Flight, 1940 Etching and water
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
William Pène du Bois (American, 1916-1993) Taking Flight, 1940 Etching and watercolor on paper 15-1/2 x 10 inches (39.4 x 25.4 cm) (sight) Signed in plate lower right HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
May. 28, 2020
Du Bois, William Pène, Lazy Tommy Pumpkinhead
Est: $300 - $500
Du Bois, William Pène Lazy Tommy Pumpkinhead New York: Harper & Row Publishers, (1966). First edition. Illustrated by the author. 8vo. 28 pp. Signed by Du Bois on front free endpaper. Illustrated paper-covered boards; white endpapers; in illustrated dust-jacket, darkened to extremities, original price of $2.50 and code 60-100 on front flap. Near fine. William Pène Du Bois, known for his Newbery Award-winning novel "The Twenty-One Balloons", was also nominated for two Caldecott Medals.
Freeman's | Hindman
Mar. 12, 2020
William Pène du Bois (American, 1916-1993) Taking Flight, 1940 Etching and water
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
William Pène du Bois (American, 1916-1993) Taking Flight, 1940 Etching and watercolor on paper 15-1/2 x 10 inches (39.4 x 25.4 cm) (sight) Signed in plate lower right HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Dec. 14, 2017
(CHILDREN'S) WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. ". . . and when they jumped, mother, father, and the two children all descended together . . ."
Est: $3,500 - $5,000
WILLIAM PÈNE DU BOIS. ". . . and when they jumped, mother, father, and the two children all descended together . . ." Illustration from page 173 published in his book "The Twenty-One Balloons" (New York: Viking Press, 1947). Pen, ink and wash on paper. 210x140 mm; 8 1/4x5 1/2 inches. Signed in lower right image. A copy of the book accompanies this lot. Provenance: Kendra and Allan Daniel. Exhibited: Eric Carle Museum, "A Taste for Adventure," December 2015-May 2016.
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