Lot 14830: Lesser & Everett - Whiskey Traders

This oil painting on board illustration of The Whiskey Traders is by Ron Lesser. The work was completed in New York for Ballantine Books for Wade Everett's novel.

Born in New York City, Ron Lesser is a prolific illustrator who, over the course of his life, has created thousands of paperback covers, movie posters, television ads, and advertising art pieces. He attended Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, though he dropped out after a semester to pursue his career, and the Art Students League of New York where he studied under artist Frank J. Reilly.

Active in book and magazine illustration since the 50s, Lesser steadily worked throughout the mid- to late 20th century making posters for Hollywood movies, paperback books, and advertisements. He made the posters for five Clint Eastwood western films, including the iconic poster for "High Plains Drifter" and "Joe Kidd," and Sam Peckinpah's "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." Recently, he did the movie art for the 2017 film, "Atomic Blonde," starring Charlize Theron.

Lesser is probably most known for his paperback covers of crime and western novels and was one of the top illustrators for Western paperback covers at the time, before the shift from illustration to photography occurred with the increased use of Adobe Photoshop in the 90s. He made work for publishers including Dell, New American Library/Signet, Harlequin, among others. This book cover was made for the Western novel, "Indian Fighter," by E.E. Halleran, published in 1964 by Ballantine Books.

Mat Size ~ 18 1/2" by 24 3/4"; Paper Size ~ 14 1/4" by 18 3/4"

Oil Painting on Board

1900s

Overall Excellent. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact with any questions.