Constantin Alajalov Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Constantin Alajalov Art Value Price Guide

Oct. 06, 2024
Constantin Alajalov (1900-1987): Oh Lady Be Good (Illustration for George Gershwin's Song-Book)
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Constantin Alajalov 1900-1987 Oh Lady Be Good (original illustration for George Gershwin's "Song-Book") one of 18 plates for the landmark book, published by Random House, New York, 1932
Abell Auction
Apr. 20, 2024
Original 1940s Argentina Pan Am Airline Travel Poster
Est: $300 - $500
Alajalov, Constantin 1900 - 1987 Pan American - Argentina Offset 1949 42.1 x 27.9 in. (107 x 71 cm) Printer: Litho in USA Condition Details: (B+/B) small tears, minor staining and small paper losses around the edges#USA #Argentina #Travel #Airlines #Pan Am
PosterConnection Inc.
Dec. 07, 2023
MONKEY BUSINESS (1931) - Silk Screen Jumbo Window Card (21" x 26.75"); Very Fine- Rolled
Est: $4,000 - $8,000
This rarely seen jumbo window card features iconic artwork of the brothers. It displays signs of age, including scuffing in the lower left, primarily within the Zeppo image. It generally doesnÃ¢â¬â¢t detract from the image. This lot will be auctioned on Thursday, December 7th. Note other lots in the auction may close on December 8th.
Propstore Los Angeles
Sep. 28, 2023
CONSTANTIN ALAJÁLOV Original artwork for the dust jacket of The George Ger
Est: £8,000 - £12,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJÁLOV Original artwork for the dust jacket of The George Gershwin Song-book and the illustration for the song Sweet and Low Down. Constantin Alajálov "ALAJALOV, Constantin (1900-1987). Original artwork for the dust jacket of The George Gershwin Song-book and the illustration for the song Sweet and Low Down. "Born in Russia and emigrating to New York City in 1923, illustrator and cartoonist Constantin Alajálov ‘amused several generations of readers of The New Yorker, The Saturday Evening Post, Vogue and other publications with his droll, slice-of-life cartoons… and illustrated many books.’ Among his most enduring contributions to American popular culture are his illustrations for Gershwin’s Song-book. Commissioned by Random House for the 1932 publication of The George Gershwin Song-book, Alajálov’s evocative artwork depicts the interior of a Harlem club, most likely the Cotton Club, based on the exclusively white clientele, the shimmying dancers embodying the exuberance of Jazz Age New York. The image was used as both the dust jacket design and as the title illustration for the song Sweet and Low Down on pages 60-61. In his short biography of the artist in the song-book, gallerist Samuel M. Kootz remarks that Alajálov had made ‘no attempt… to be faithful to the music or lyrics, but rather to savour their source and inspiration’. Gershwin, for his part, opined that the ‘splendid drawings’ captured ‘the spirit of the songs’. Gershwin cited in Pollack, 520. Kootz in The George Gershwin Song-book, xi. New York Times obituary, 1987. "The present artwork has never appeared at auction. Prior to acquisition by Charlie Watts, the work had passed by descent through a single family, having been presented to them over 50 years ago by composer Vernon Duke, a close friend of Gershwin. Duke is best known for the compositions Autumn in New York, Taking a Chance on Love, I Can’t Get Started and April in Paris. "This image, which came to epitomise the Harlem era, through its use as a cover-image of Gershwin’s Song-Book shows us the diversity of the Harlem Jazz scene, but through the unsympathetic gaze of a white artist, Constantin Alajálov. Although the scene in its entirety is satirised, the depiction of African American musicians here is complicated and very much represents, despite the rise in jazz’s popularity as a fashionable pastime, that there were still strong racial undertones to the ‘unknown’ of this new musical phenomenon. "Watercolour with pencil under-drawing on board, 237 x 402 mm, framed (415 x 530 mm). Provenance: Vernon Duke (1903-1969; Russian-born American composer).
Christie's
Oct. 27, 2022
Constantin Alajalov (1900-1987): The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Oil on canvas, signed 'Alajalov' lower right. 15 x 26 in., unframed. From the Collection of Christopher English Walling
STAIR
Mar. 27, 2022
Jules Cheret (French, 1836-1932) Crayon Drawing on Paper, Travesti
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
Chéret, Jules (French, 1836-1932) French Crayon Drawing on paper, Travesti, sepia and white on teal toned paper. Signed and captioned lower right. Framed and matted in a cloth mat and carved wooden frame. Weight Approx., 4 lbs Chéret (31 May 1836 – 23 September 1932) was a French painter and lithographer who became a master of Belle Époque poster art. He has been called the father of the modern poster.His works were influenced by the scenes of frivolity depicted in the works of Rococo artists such as Jean-Honoré Fragonard and Antoine Watteau. So much in demand was he, that he expanded his business to providing advertisements for the plays of touring troupes, municipal festivals, and then for beverages and liquors, perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Eventually he became a major advertising force, adding the railroad companies and a number of manufacturing businesses to his client list.- Wikipedia Measures Approx.: Sheet 12.125" x 7.5"; Framed 18" x 14. Domestic Shipping: $25
Global Auctions Company
Jun. 24, 2021
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987) "Standing Room Only." [NEW YORKER COVER]
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987) "Standing Room Only." Cover illustration for The New Yorker, published October 21, 1944. Tempera on illustration board. 345x235 mm; 13 1/2x9 1/2 inches, image. Signed lower right with a Presentation inscription "To Elinor and Martin Bush from alajalov [signed]." Cornered to board with matte and framed. A copy of the printed magazine accompanies the lot. Provenance: Private collection; Swann Galleries, January 23, 2014; current owner. Exhibited: "Forty-Third Annual Water Color and Print Exhibition," The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Water Color Club, October 19 to November 25, 1945, with label filled out in artist's hand on verso. Wonderful depiction of vexed dinner patrons glaring at blithely unaware or uncaring couple lingering well past dessert.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 28, 2021
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987) Family Tree. [COVER ART / NEW YORKER / DOGS]
Est: $3,000 - $4,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987) Family Tree. Cover illustration for The New Yorker, published February 12, 1938. Watercolor and gouache over graphite on board. 350x255 mm; 13 3/4x10 inches, on 16x12 1/2-inch board. Signed "Alajalov" in lower right image. Matted and framed together with a tear sheet of the printed cover.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 05, 2020
Original 1950s Pan Am Clipper Brazil Poster
Est: $300 - $500
Alajalov, Constantin 1900 - 1987. Pan American - Brazil. Offset 1951. Size: 42.1 x 27.9 in. (107 x 71 cm). Printer: no information. Condition Details: (A-/B+) small tears, tiny losses and minor staining at the edges
PosterConnection Inc.
Dec. 03, 2020
Constantin Alajalov (American, 1900-1987) Shooting Gallery, The Saturday Evening
Est: $5,000 - $7,000
Constantin Alajalov (American, 1900-1987) Shooting Gallery, The Saturday Evening Post cover, September 12, 1953 Gouache on board 21-3/8 x 15-3/4 inches (54.3 x 40.0 cm) Signed lower left: Alajalov PROVENANCE: Private collection, Northern California. A copy of the September 12, 1953 The Saturday Evening Post accompanies this lot. HID01801242017
Heritage Auctions
Oct. 20, 2020
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (Russian/American, 1900-1987)
Est: $200 - $300
OIL ON CANVAS FLORAL STILL LIFE , TITLED " CARNATIONS IN A BASKET" , SIGNED ALAJALOV , 1986 , WITH INFO INVERSO - 14" x 12" ; 16" x 13 1/2" OVERALL
Echoes Antiques & Auction Gallery
Feb. 07, 2019
JOHN PHILIP FALTER (1910-1982) & CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987). THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. Group of 5 posters. 1948-1949. Each 27x21
Est: $600 - $900
JOHN PHILIP FALTER (1910-1982) & CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987) THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. Group of 5 posters. 1948-1949. Each 27 3/4x21 3/4 inches, 70 1/2x55 1/4 cm. Condition varies, generally A-. Paper. Group includes: I Saw the Russians Snooping; They Ask to be Killed; Now the Russians are Fleeing Russia; Iwo Jima Cost Too Much; and The Marine Corps Fights for its Life.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 06, 2018
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV. "Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit."
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV. "Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit." Promotional illustration for the Broadway production at the Morosco Theater, November 1941, staged by John C. Wilson. Watercolor and ink on stiff paper. 356x286 mm; 14x11 1/4 inches. Unsigned. Scattered soiling.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 15, 2018
Constantin Alajalov, Study for New Yorker cover
Est: $700 - $1,000
Constantin Alajalov (American, 1900-1987), "Family Tree", c. 1938, graphite and ink on paper, signed lower right, matted and framed under glass, 11"h x 9"w (sight), 17"h x 14"w (frame)
Millea Bros Ltd
Dec. 05, 2017
GERSHWIN, George (1898-1937) and ALAJALOV, Constantin (1900-1987). George..
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
GERSHWIN, George (1898-1937) and ALAJALOV, Constantin (1900-1987). George...
Christie's
Sep. 23, 2017
Constantin Alajalov New Yorker Cover Feb. 12, 1938
Est: $40 - $60
Giclee print cover of the February 12, 1938 issue of The New Yorker featuring art by artist Constantin Alajalov (Russia/America, 1900-1987). Signed to the print, framed and matted under glass. Frame measures 15" in height by 11-1/4" in width with the sight image measuring 13-1/4" in height by 10-1/4" in width. In overall good condition, all measurements are approximate.
Bremo Auctions
Jul. 01, 2017
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (RUSSIAN AMERICAN 1900-1987)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (RUSSIAN AMERICAN 1900-1987) GUOUACHE, WATERCOLOR, PENCIL "MOTHER WITH BABY IN PRAM" F:12 X14.5" S: 5 X 6.5" Constantin Alajálov (also Aladjalov) (18 November 1900 - 23 October 1987) was an American painter and illustrator.[1] He was born in Rostov, Russia and immigrated to New York City in 1923, becoming a US citizen in 1928. Many of his illustrations were covers for such magazines as The New Yorker, The Saturday Evening Post,[2] and Fortune.[3] He also illustrated many books, including the first edition of George Gershwin's Song Book. His works are in New York's Museum of Modern Art and the Brooklyn Museum. He died in Amenia, New York. Constantin Alajálov was born in Rostov, Russia in 1900 and died in New York in 1987. In 1916, the Red Revolution broke out, interrupting Alajálov's time at the University of Petrograd. Unable to stay, Alajálov joined a government organized group of artists. Traveling the countryside, they painted large propaganda murals and posters for the revolution. After this, Alajálov emigrated to Persia and again started painting for a revolution until no longer safe. After his stay in Persia, Alajálov headed to Constantinople, his last stop before he emigrated to America at age 23. Getting a job was hard, but he finally landed one, painting wall murals at a restaurant about to be opened by Russian Countess Anna Zarnekau. Within three years, Alajálov was selling his paintings to The New Yorker magazine, where his first cover appeared on September 25, 1926. He went on to create more than 70 covers for the magazine. He also designed rugs for New York artist and entrepreneur Ralph Pearson. Alajálov's first cover for the Saturday Evening Post appeared on October 6, 1945 (unusual in that he was also doing covers for The New Yorker at the time, and both publications ordinarily required exclusivity of their artists). His final cover was for the December 1, 1962 issue. That final cover portrayed an accomplished bridge player awakened from a dream, still analyzing her bridge hand.[4] Many of his Saturday Evening Post cover paintings can be viewed at the American Illustrators Hall of Fame in Indianapolis. His papers are at Syracuse University,[5] and the Archives of American Art.[6] He bequeathed funding for a scholarship in his name to Boston University, which also maintains a collection of his photographs and scrapbooks. The Boston University holdings include a painting of Alajálov by George Gershwin.[7]
Chandler's International Auction
May. 13, 2017
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (RUSSIAN AMERICAN 1900-1987)
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (RUSSIAN AMERICAN 1900-1987) GUOUACHE, WATERCOLOR, PENCIL "MOTHER WITH BABY IN PRAM" F:12 X14.5" S: 5 X 6.5" Constantin Alajálov (also Aladjalov) (18 November 1900 - 23 October 1987) was an American painter and illustrator.[1] He was born in Rostov, Russia and immigrated to New York City in 1923, becoming a US citizen in 1928. Many of his illustrations were covers for such magazines as The New Yorker, The Saturday Evening Post,[2] and Fortune.[3] He also illustrated many books, including the first edition of George Gershwin's Song Book. His works are in New York's Museum of Modern Art and the Brooklyn Museum. He died in Amenia, New York. Constantin Alajálov was born in Rostov, Russia in 1900 and died in New York in 1987. In 1916, the Red Revolution broke out, interrupting Alajálov's time at the University of Petrograd. Unable to stay, Alajálov joined a government organized group of artists. Traveling the countryside, they painted large propaganda murals and posters for the revolution. After this, Alajálov emigrated to Persia and again started painting for a revolution until no longer safe. After his stay in Persia, Alajálov headed to Constantinople, his last stop before he emigrated to America at age 23. Getting a job was hard, but he finally landed one, painting wall murals at a restaurant about to be opened by Russian Countess Anna Zarnekau. Within three years, Alajálov was selling his paintings to The New Yorker magazine, where his first cover appeared on September 25, 1926. He went on to create more than 70 covers for the magazine. He also designed rugs for New York artist and entrepreneur Ralph Pearson. Alajálov's first cover for the Saturday Evening Post appeared on October 6, 1945 (unusual in that he was also doing covers for The New Yorker at the time, and both publications ordinarily required exclusivity of their artists). His final cover was for the December 1, 1962 issue. That final cover portrayed an accomplished bridge player awakened from a dream, still analyzing her bridge hand.[4] Many of his Saturday Evening Post cover paintings can be viewed at the American Illustrators Hall of Fame in Indianapolis. His papers are at Syracuse University,[5] and the Archives of American Art.[6] He bequeathed funding for a scholarship in his name to Boston University, which also maintains a collection of his photographs and scrapbooks. The Boston University holdings include a painting of Alajálov by George Gershwin.[7]
Chandler's International Auction
Jun. 28, 2016
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (RUSSIAN-AMERICAN, 1900-1987)
Est: $200 - $300
OIL ON "CARNATIONS IN A BASKET" DATED 1986 - 14" x 12" , 16" x 13 1/2"
Echoes Antiques & Auction Gallery
Nov. 06, 2015
Constantin Alajalov, painting
Est: $200 - $300
Constantin Alajlov (American, 1900-1987), untitled portrait of a girl, 1967, oil on board, signed "Alajalov", upper left, 8.5"h x 6.5"l, framed
Millea Bros Ltd
May. 12, 2015
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV
Est: $100 - $150
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV Original sketch, 15 1/2" x 11 1/4" (sight) executed in ochre pencil, a study of a lady's hands, signed and dated "Alajalov Nov. 25, 1963" at lower right. Matted and framed.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Sep. 22, 2013
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (Russian/American, 1900-1987);
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (Russian/American, 1900-1987); Painting on silk of couple on horseback with reclining figure in background, ca. 1930 (framed); Signed; 26 3/4" x 26 3/4"
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Sep. 20, 2013
Seven Modern Dance Posters, Mostly Ted Shawn and Martha Graham:, Major Felten (American 1904-1978), Shawn and His Dancers, 1931,, inscr
Est: $200 - $300
Seven Modern Dance Posters, Mostly Ted Shawn and Martha Graham: Major Felten (American 1904-1978), Shawn and His Dancers, 1931, inscribed "MAJOR FELTEN" within the matrix l.r., lithograph after a wood engraving; Constantin Alajalov (Russian/American, 1900-1987), Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers, c. 1935, inscribed "aLadjaLov" within the matrix c.r., text within the composition, lithograph and halftone screen on paper; Rose Cecil O'Neill (American, 1874-1944), Ruth St. Denis with Ted Shawn and the Denishawn Dancers, c. 1923, inscribed "O'Neill" within the matrix l.l. and l.r., photolithograph on paper; Four Martha Graham Dance Company and The Joyce Trisler Danscompany offset lithographs, Trisler dedicated "To Bob Bunting...Sincerely Klarna Pinska 1976" in ballpoint pen u.l.; sheet sizes to 37 x 39 in. (94.0 x 99.1 cm), all unframed. Condition: Felten with creasaes, paper backed; Alajalov with tear to u.r. quadrant; O'Neill with punctures, creases, soiling; the rest with minor handling creases and abrasions to edges.
Skinner
Jun. 22, 2013
Framed New Yorker cover, Constantin Alajalov
Est: $150 - $300
Custom framed and matted cover of "The New Yorker" magazine from September 10, 1938, featuring work by poster artist and illustrator Constantin Alajalov (Russian-American, 1900-1987), overall size including frame 24.5"h x 20.5"w x 1"d.
Great Gatsby's Auction Gallery, Inc.
Feb. 05, 2013
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987). THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. Group of 7 posters. 1947-1949. Each approximately 28x22 inches, 71x56 cm.
Est: $500 - $750
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (1900-1987) THE SATURDAY EVENING POST. Group of 7 posters. 1947-1949. Each approximately 28x22 inches, 71x56 cm. Condition varies, generally B+. Paper. Group includes: June 7, 1947; October 10, 1947; November 29, 1947; November 28, 1948; March 3, 1949; April 9, 1949 and May 7, 1949.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jan. 24, 2013
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV. Blithe Spirit.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV. Blithe Spirit. Pencil and watercolor drawing for the poster and souvenir book for the first American production of Noel Coward's 'Blithe Spirit.' 410x313 mm; 16x12 1/4 inches. Signed lower right. Not examined out of frame. 1941.
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 05, 2012
Constantin Alajalov, American (1900-1987) Pencil and Gouache on Paper, Cover of The New Yorker Magazine Together with a Copy of The New Yorker Dated March 21, 1936. Signed Lower Right. Good Condition or Better, Moderate Wear to Magazine. Measures
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
Constantin Alajalov, American (1900-1987) Pencil and Gouache on Paper, Cover of The New Yorker Magazine Together with a Copy of The New Yorker Dated March 21, 1936. Signed Lower Right. Good Condition or Better, Moderate Wear to Magazine. Measures 13-3/8 Inches Tall and 9-1/4 Inches Wide, Frame Measures 20-7/8 Inches Tall and 16-7/8 Inches Wide. Shipping $68.00
Kodner Galleries
Aug. 26, 2009
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (American, 1900-1987) PREPARATIONS FOR THE OFFICER'S BALL.
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
Gouache illustration shows a woman resting after a long day while her maid prepares her evening outfit in a fancy room setting. The clock shows 7 o'clock and a long night is ahead of her. This artist illustrated for the New Yorker magazine and the Saturday Evening Post but we have been unable to find this particular illustration. Housed in a white and blue painted frame with a white linen matte. Written on back is "Fatigue Duty" and "January 1942". SIZE: Sight: 14" x 10". CONDITION: Very good. 9-97180
James D. Julia
Jul. 15, 2009
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (American, 1900-1987)
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV (American, 1900-1987) Telephone Exchange, Saturday Evening Post cover, April 7, 1962 Gouache on board 21 x 20 in. Signed lower left From the Estate of Charles Martignette.
Heritage Auctions
Dec. 18, 2008
Constantin Alajalov (AMERICAN, 1900-1987)
Est: $700 - $900
Constantin Alajalov (AMERICAN, 1900-1987) Portrait of a young girl signed with initials 'CA' (lower left) oil on canvas 12 x 10 in. (30.4 x 25.4 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 19, 2008
Constantin Alajalov (American, 1900-1987) Family Tree: Study for a New Yorker cover unframed
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Family Tree: Study for a New Yorker cover together with a copy of the printed front cover signed 'Ajalov' (lower right), pencil, pen and black ink 29.5 x 23cm (11 5/8 x 9 1/16in). unframed (2)
Bonhams
Jun. 22, 2008
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987] INK
Est: $100 - $200
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987] INK DRAWING, 7 1/2" X 10 1/2": Depicting two profiles of Prince Serge Obolensky and two fairies, matted under glass, framed. From the collection of Prince and Princess Obolensky Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.
DuMouchelles
Jun. 22, 2008
CONSTANTINE ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987] INK
Est: $100 - $200
CONSTANTINE ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987] INK DRAWING, 12" X 8 1/2": Depicting Santa Claus painting a portrait of Prince Serge Obolensky, signed lower right, under glass framed. From the collection of Prince and Princess Obolensky, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.
DuMouchelles
Jun. 22, 2008
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987]
Est: $750 - $1,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987] WATERCOLOR, GOUACHE & PENCIL ON PAPER, 12" X 5 1/2": Depicting a gentleman presenting bouquet signed lower right, matted under glass, framed. From the collection of Prince and Princess Obolensky, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.
DuMouchelles
Jun. 22, 2008
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987]
Est: $750 - $1,000
CONSTANTIN ALAJALOV [RUSS./AMER., 1900-1987] GOUACHE, WATERCOLOR & PENCIL ON PAPER, 14" X 9": Depicting a standing lady with keg, signed lower left, matted under glass, framed. From the collection of Prince and Princess Obolensky Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.
DuMouchelles