[Children's & Illustrated] McCay, (Zenas) Winsor, and (Alfred B. Hunt). Collection of 42 Printer's Proofs for "Little Nemo in Slumberland"

New York: The New York Herald Co., January 1907-December 1908. Comprising 42 original printer's proofs in color, on coated paper. Each measuring 25 1/8 x 18 in. (638 x 457 mm); one measuring 20 7/8 x 16 1/8 in. (530 x 409 mm). Date added in contemporary manuscript in top edge of all but one sheet. Edges brittle, with scattered small chipping and short closed tears, others scattered light to moderate wear and soiling. From the collection of Alfred B. Hunt, pioneering colorist at The New York Herald.

Fantastic collection of 42 original color printer's proofs for Winsor McCay's beloved comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland. From the collection of Alfred Benjamin Hunt (1854-1947), longtime staff colorist at The New York Herald, and a pioneer in the development of color comic strip printing.

Hunt worked at the Herald from 1896-1924, and was a master in the technically laborious Ben Day color printing method. He worked directly with McCay on the Little Nemo series, from its inception in October 1905, until McCay left the paper in 1911. Hunt would receive black and white drawings or paintings from McCay, often with color instructions. He would then develop the strip's coloring with the application of watercolor and then assist in its translation into the Ben Day printing method.

During this time Hunt kept a copy of every proof, of which these are an extensive selection.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.

Provenance

From the collection of Justin G. Schiller

[Children's & Illustrated] McCay, (Zenas) Winsor, and (Alfred B. Hunt). Collection of 42 Printer's Proofs for "Little Nemo in Slumberland"