American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

Oil on canvas depicting a from-the-ground view of a Black Widow flying across the night sky while flaming enemy planes fall to the ground around it, signed by Leydenfrost at bottom right (some minor losses and abrasions, wear along edges). Visible area 29 × 22 in. Frame: 32 1/4 × 25 1/4 in. Provenance: A Private Collection.

Alexander Leydenfrost was a Hungarian-American industrial designer and illustrator whose artwork during the Second World War brought the immediacy and drama of the conflict into the homes of millions of Americans. Throughout the war he produced dozens of images of American military prowess for Esquire magazine; this work was reproduced on page 96 of the January 1945 issue. The Northrop P-61 Black Widow was the first operational warplane designed as a night fighter. The aircraft is credited with giving Allied forces its last air victory on 14 August 1945, the day before VJ Day.