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Leo Lionni Sold at Auction Prices

Painter, Illustrator, b. 1910 - d. 1999

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        • Leo Lionni (1910-1999) Italian-American writer and illustrator of children's books
          Aug. 03, 2023

          Leo Lionni (1910-1999) Italian-American writer and illustrator of children's books

          Est: $100 - $150

          Leo Lionni (1910-1999) Italian-American writer and illustrator of children's books. Born in the Netherlands, he moved to Italy and lived there before moving to the United States in 1939, where he worked as an art director for several advertising agencies, and then for Fortune magazine. He returned to Italy in 1962 and started writing and illustrating children's books. In 1962, his book Inch by Inch was awarded the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. Offered here is an original lithograph from the rare 1956 Improvisations portfolio, published by the Artists Equity Association of New York. Leading artists on the New York art scene were invited to contribute original lithographs in the form of advertisements for businesses and institutions supporting the Artists Equity Association; these sponsors allowed the artists complete creative freedom of expression. This lithograph was issued in an edition of 2000; the sheet measures 12 x 8-1/2 inches. Signed by Steed in the plate (not hand-signed). VG.

          East Coast Books
        • Leo Lionni, 1910-1999, Tavola Bassa, bronze sculpture
          Apr. 22, 2022

          Leo Lionni, 1910-1999, Tavola Bassa, bronze sculpture

          Est: €2,400 - €4,800

          Leo Lionni, 1910-1999, Tavola Bassa, bronze sculpture, stylized representation of tree trunks and roots, signed, H. approx. 31 or 64cm, L. approx. 102cm, W. approx. 58cm . German Description: Leo Lionni, 1910-1999, Tavola Bassa, Bronzeskulptur, stilisierte Darstellung von Baumstämmen und Wurzeln, signiert, H. ca. 31 bzw. 64cm, L. ca. 102cm, B. ca. 58cm

          Henry's Auktionshaus
        • ATTRIBUTED TO LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). FUORI I TEDESCHI / [OUT WITH THE GERMANS]. Circa 1944. 14½x19½ inches, 36¾x49½ cm.
          May. 13, 2021

          ATTRIBUTED TO LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). FUORI I TEDESCHI / [OUT WITH THE GERMANS]. Circa 1944. 14½x19½ inches, 36¾x49½ cm.

          Est: $400 - $600

          ATTRIBUTED TO LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) FUORI I TEDESCHI / [OUT WITH THE GERMANS]. Circa 1944. 14 1/2x19 1/2 inches, 36 3/4x49 1/2 cm. Condition B: water staining and small tears at edges; creases in margins and image; tipped to mount. Paper. Framed. An excellent piece of American anti-Nazi propaganda intended for use in Italy. Most likely, this image was released late in 1943, a time when the Italian Government was in convulsions. Late that July, Mussolini was ousted and Pietro Badoglio elevated to Prime Minister; on September 3rd a secret armistice between Italy and the Allied forces was signed and publicly announced on September 8th. Then, on October 13th, Italy declared war on Germany. Two months after he was arrested, German forces were able to free Mussolini and install him as head of a new Fascist state in Northern Italy. Italy was embroiled in a civil war. This poster, "Out with the Germans," one of at least two American propaganda images with the same title, was likely released as the Allied forces moved north towards Rome, and the Germans tried to solidify their positions in the north of the country. IWM PST 0035.

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • Leo Lionni (Amsterdam 1910-Radda in Chianti 1999) - Two sheets
          Dec. 03, 2020

          Leo Lionni (Amsterdam 1910-Radda in Chianti 1999) - Two sheets

          Est: €80 - €100

          two etchings, numbered P. A. Signature in pencil lower margin This lot is subject to Artists Resale Rights

          Finarte
        • Leo Lionni (1910-1999): Triple Camporama
          Jul. 16, 2020

          Leo Lionni (1910-1999): Triple Camporama

          Est: $400 - $800

          Pencil on paper, 1982, signed 'Leo Lionni' lower center, with label from Staempfli Gallery, NY. 22 1/2 x 28 1/2 in. (sheet), 23 1/2 x 29 1/2 in. (frame). Exhibited: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Leo Lionni: A Passion for Creativity, July 12- October 19, 2003.

          STAIR
        • Leo Lionni (Amsterdam 1910-Radda in Chianti 1999) - Two papers
          Apr. 27, 2020

          Leo Lionni (Amsterdam 1910-Radda in Chianti 1999) - Two papers

          Est: €100 - €150

          two lithographs numbered 27/110, 28/110 Each sheet signed in pencil lower center This lot is subject to Artists Resale Rights

          Finarte
        • Leo Lionni, drawing
          May. 17, 2019

          Leo Lionni, drawing

          Est: $200 - $300

          Leo Lionni (Dutch, 1910-1999), graphite and ink on paper, signed lower center, framed, 13.5"h x 22.5"h (sight), 19.25"h x 28.25"w (frame)

          Millea Bros Ltd
        • Leo Lionni, (3) drawings
          Apr. 11, 2018

          Leo Lionni, (3) drawings

          Est: $100 - $150

          Leo Lionni (Italian, 1910-1999), incl. Owl, frogs ("Sense of Humor"), and a mermaid in a bottle) humorous ink drawings, each signed lower right, largest: 11.5"h x 12"w (sheet), not framed

          Millea Bros Ltd
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Wa
          Aug. 02, 2017

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Wa

          Est: $4,000 - $6,000

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each 40x29 1/2 inches, 101 1/2x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.] Condition varies, generally B+. Framed. These exceptional, patriotic work incentive posters were issued by the Office of Emergency Management right on the cusp of America's entry into the Second World War. "With the war still an abstraction for most Americans, these posters connected what happened 'here' and 'over there'" (Resnick p. 68). Lionni used his experience in advertising to visually connect these patriotic ideals to his audience, and he "[along with Herbert Matter, Lester Beall and Milton Ackoff] carried photographic poster illustration to new heights of inventiveness. [He was] able to bring the clean asymmetry of Bauhaus design into everyday life in this country long before Gropius and Mies Van der Rohe were given an opportunity to do so in architecture" (Word & Image p. 62). Born in Holland, Lionni grew up in Italy before finding success as an advertiser and art director in America. His advertising credits include work for Olivetti typewriters, Chrysler and Ford. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196, The Poster p. 202, Pollack p. 160-1, Fotoplakate 20, Modern American 50-1, MoMA 880.1979, MoMA 151.1968.

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washing
          May. 25, 2017

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washing

          Est: $3,000 - $4,000

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP ''EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. 40x29 3/4 inches, 101 1/2x75 1/2 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.] Condition varies, generally B+: staining in margins and image; minor tears and creases in margins. Paper. These exceptional, patriotic work incentive posters were issued by the Office of Emergency Management right on the cusp of America''s entry into the Second World War. "With the war still an abstraction for most Americans, these posters connected what happened ''here'' and ''over there''" (Resnick p. 68). Lionni used his experience in advertising to visually connect these patriotic ideals to his audience, and he "[along with Herbert Matter, Lester Beall and Milton Ackoff] carried photographic poster illustration to new heights of inventiveness. [He was] able to bring the clean asymmetry of Bauhaus design into everyday life in this country long before Gropius and Mies Van der Rohe were given an opportunity to do so in architecture" (Word & Image p. 62). Born in Holland, Lionni grew up in Italy before finding success as an advertiser and Art Director in America. His advertising credits include work for Olivetti typewriters, Chrysler and Ford. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196, The Poster p. 202, Fotoplakate 20, Modern American 50-1, MoMA 880.1979, MoMA 151.1968.

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • Leo Lionni, Artists Proofs & lithos, poster&print
          Mar. 22, 2017

          Leo Lionni, Artists Proofs & lithos, poster&print

          Est: $500 - $800

          Leo Lionni, Holland,1910-1999, 2 Trees, artists proofs with personal dedication, 2 lithographs "La Mosella", an Exhibition Lehman College Art Gallery Poster,1990 ,and color print,all signed (6 Pcs) Note: Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40 highly acclaimed children’s books. He received the 1984 American Institute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was a four-time Caldecott Honor Winner—for Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. (JDUN2139/6){MM} Property Title / Biography: Litchfield County Auctions is pleased to offer highlights from the modern art collection of the famed interior designer and artist Jack Dunbar. As a student at the Cleveland School of art, Dunbar had a sense that his career would be entwined in the arts, specifically design and architecture.  Reflective of his gifted talents, he was awarded a 1946 Taliesin Fellowship study with the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture in Wisconsin. Dunbar was heavily influenced by the work of Hungarian modernist artist László Moholy-Nagy, founder of Chicago’s Institute of Art and Design, as well as his own personal travels throughout Europe visiting many architectural landmarks.  Upon his return, he landed his first job in New York as assistant to the architectural photographer Ezra Stoller. He later worked at Harper’s Bazaar with Alexy Bradovich, Carmel Snow, and Diana Vreeland. Dunbar also designed book jackets and posters for the Museum of Modern Art which led to showroom design for Herman Miller. In 1956, he joined Skidmore Owings and Merrill for which he designed many corporate headquarters worldwide. Dunbar was also responsible for assembling major modern art collections. In 1977, Dunbar launched his own design firm with partner Lydia dePolo.  In 1987 he was inducted into the prestigious Interior Designers of America Hall of Fame, today he focuses on his own artwork in his Connecticut studio. Measurements: Trees: 9 x 6, framed 17 1/2 x 14, 7 1/2 x 5 1/2, paper 15 1/2 x 11 1/2, Condition: 2/3 towards bottom minor roll creases, some foxing to La Mosella, all others good

          Litchfield Auctions
        • Leo Lionni (1910-1999)Table basse
          Nov. 23, 2016

          Leo Lionni (1910-1999)Table basse

          Est: €5,000 - €7,000

          Leo Lionni (1910-1999) Table basse Bronze et verre Signée Date de création : vers 1990 H 114 × L 67 × P 36 cm

          Piasa
        • Plakate - - Lionni, Leo. Keep them rolling (Schnellboote). Farbiges Plakat.
          Nov. 05, 2016

          Plakate - - Lionni, Leo. Keep them rolling (Schnellboote). Farbiges Plakat.

          Est: €300 - €450

          Plakate - - Lionni, Leo. Keep them rolling (Schnellboote). Farbiges Plakat. Offset. Washington DC, Government Printing Office, 1941. Ca. 101 x 75,5 cm. In der Vorlage bezeichnet und datiert. - Neu auf Leinwand doubliert. - Minimale alte Knitterspuren im Bildbereich, sonst gut erhalten.

          Nosbüsch & Stucke GmbH
        • Plakate - - Lionni, Leo. Keep them rolling (Flugzeuge). Farbiges Plakat. Of
          Nov. 05, 2016

          Plakate - - Lionni, Leo. Keep them rolling (Flugzeuge). Farbiges Plakat. Of

          Est: €300 - €450

          Plakate - - Lionni, Leo. Keep them rolling (Flugzeuge). Farbiges Plakat. Offset. Washington DC, Government Printing Office, 1941. Ca. 102,5 x 75,5 cm. In der Vorlage bezeichnet und datiert. - Neu auf Leinwand doubliert. - Professionell restaurierte und nachgefärbte Einrisse, teils gering berieben, sonst gut erhalten.

          Nosbüsch & Stucke GmbH
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washing
          May. 10, 2016

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washing

          Est: $3,000 - $4,000

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. 40 1/4x29 1/2 inches, 102 1/4x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.] Condition varies, generally B+. These exceptional, patriotic work incentive posters were issued by the Office of Emergency Management right on the cusp of America's entry into the Second World War. "With the war still an abstraction for most Americans, these posters connected what happened 'here' and 'over there'" (Resnick p. 68). Lionni used his experience in advertising to visually connect these patriotic ideals to his audience, and he "[along with Herbert Matter, Lester Beall and Milton Ackoff] carried photographic poster illustration to new heights of inventiveness. [He was] able to bring the clean asymmetry of Bauhaus design into everyday life in this country long before Gropius and Mies Van der Rohe were given an opportunity to do so in architecture" (Word & Image p. 62). Born in Holland, Lionni grew up in Italy before finding success as an advertiser and Art Director in America. His advertising credits include work for Olivetti typewriters, Chrysler and Ford. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196, The Poster p. 202, Fotoplakate 20, Modern American Poster 50-1, MoMA 880.1979, MoMA 151.1968.

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • Original 1940s Keep Em Rolling WW II Poster LIONNI Art
          May. 07, 2016

          Original 1940s Keep Em Rolling WW II Poster LIONNI Art

          Est: $600 - $1,000

          Artist: Lionni, Leo 1910 - 1999. Keep ´em rolling! (Boats). Technique: Photo/Offset 1941. Size: 39.7 x 29.1 in. (101 x 74 cm). Printer: U.S. Government Printing Office. Condition Details: (B+) was folded, on linen, margins minimally trimmed, minor wear at the folds. Estimate: 1000. Starting Bid: 600.

          PosterConnection Inc.
        • Original 1940s Keep Em Rolling WW II Poster LIONNI Art
          May. 07, 2016

          Original 1940s Keep Em Rolling WW II Poster LIONNI Art

          Est: $600 - $1,000

          Artist: Lionni, Leo 1910 - 1999. Keep ´em rolling! (Anti-aircraft Artillery). Technique: Photo/Offset 1941. Size: 40.1 x 29.9 in. (102 x 76 cm). Printer: U.S. Government Printing Office. Condition Details: (A-) on linen, minimal tears and very small prof. repaired losses in the outer margins. Estimate: 1000. Starting Bid: 600.

          PosterConnection Inc.
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.]
          Aug. 06, 2014

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.]

          Est: $800 - $1,200

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! 1941. 40x29 3/4 inches, 101 1/2x75 1/2 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.] Condition A-: minor repaired tears and restoration at edges; creases in margins and image. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196, The Poster 325 (var).

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.]
          Aug. 06, 2014

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.]

          Est: $800 - $1,200

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! 1941. 40x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.] Condition B+ / B: repaired tears at edges, some affecting image; restored losses, restoration and overpainting at edges; creases and abrasions in margins and image; staining and slight fading overall. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196, The Poster 325 (var).

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • Keep 'em Rolling! 1941
          Sep. 12, 2013

          Keep 'em Rolling! 1941

          Est: $1,000 - $1,200

          Artist: LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) Size: 29 5/8 x 40 1/4 in./75.4 x 102.3 cm U.S. Government Printing Office A companion piece to the previous image, celebrating the reality of American fighter pilots against the national tricolor.

          Poster Auctions International Inc
        • Keep 'em Rolling! 1941
          Sep. 12, 2013

          Keep 'em Rolling! 1941

          Est: $1,000 - $1,200

          Artist: LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) Size: 29 3/4 x 40 1/4 in./75.6 x 102.3 cm U.S. Government Printing Office One of many excellent examples of American photomontage which Lionni created in promotion of the war effort.

          Poster Auctions International Inc
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 3 posters. 1941. Each approximately 39x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printi
          May. 13, 2013

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 3 posters. 1941. Each approximately 39x29 inches, 101x75 cm. U.S. Government Printi

          Est: $2,500 - $3,500

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 3 posters. 1941. Each approximately 39 3/4x29 3/4 inches, 101x75 1/2 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office, [Washington, D.C.] Condition varies, generally B+. Paper. Until the attack on Pearl Harbor, America's involvement in World War II consisted of a ramped up industrial production of war material for the embattled Allied nations. Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act on March 11, 1941. Although not a military act, it eliminated the possibility that America would remain neutral during the conflict. These exceptional, patriotic work incentive posters were issued by the Office of Emergency Management right on the cusp of America's entry into the Second World War. "Lionni [along with Herbert Matter, Lester Beall and Milton Ackoff] carried photographic poster illustration to new heights of inventiveness. [He was] able to bring the clean asymmetry of Bauhaus design into everyday life in this country long before Gropius and Mies Van der Rohe were given an opportunity to do so in architecture" (Word & Image p. 62). "War preparedness required the quickest, largest buildup in history, triggering numerous 'production incentive' posters . . . [These four posters] each used the same layout: the flag's blue field contained a photograph of home front workers, and the product of their labor was shown on the war front, amidst red and white stripes serving as road, sky or sea lanes. With the war still an abstraction for most Americans, these posters connected what happened 'here' and 'over there'" (Resnick p. 68). Born in Holland, Lionni grew up in Italy and he moved to Philadelphia in 1939, and found employment with the advertising firm N.W. Ayer. By 1948 he had become Art Director for Fortune magazine (a position he held until 1960). His advertising credits include work for Olivetti typewriters, Chrysler and Ford. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196, Enyclopedie de l'Affiche p. 355, Fotoplakate p. 31, 1000 Posters 325.

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • Original 1940s Keep Em Rolling WW II Poster LIONNI Art
          Apr. 27, 2013

          Original 1940s Keep Em Rolling WW II Poster LIONNI Art

          Est: $1,000 - $1,800

          Keep ´em rolling! (Boats). Lionni, Leo 1910 - 1999. Photo/Offset 1941. Size: 40.1 x 29.9 in. (102 x 76 cm). Printer: U.S. Government Printing Office. Condition Details: (A) on linen, minimal tears at the edges

          PosterConnection Inc.
        • Poster by Leo Lionni - Keep 'Em Rolling!
          Dec. 01, 2012

          Poster by Leo Lionni - Keep 'Em Rolling!

          Est: €600 - €1,000

          Keep 'Em Rolling! - 75,5x102, 1941, on linen by Leo Lionni (1910-1999)

          Van Sabben Poster Auctions
        • LEO LIONNI; Two works of art: Untitled, oil on
          Nov. 14, 2010

          LEO LIONNI; Two works of art: Untitled, oil on

          Est: $800 - $1,200

          LEO LIONNI; Two works of art: Untitled, oil on canvas (framed), signed; 10'' x 8''; Untitled, ink and watercolor on paper (framed), signed, 11 1/2'' x 15 1/2'' (image)

          Rago Arts and Auction Center
        • Leo Lionni (Dutch, 1910-1999) Imaginary Garden 29 1/4 x 77 3/8in x 48 5/8in (74.3 x 196.5 x 123.5cm)
          Nov. 09, 2010

          Leo Lionni (Dutch, 1910-1999) Imaginary Garden 29 1/4 x 77 3/8in x 48 5/8in (74.3 x 196.5 x 123.5cm)

          Est: $20,000 - $30,000

          Imaginary Garden bronze with reddish brown patina 29 1/4 x 77 3/8in x 48 5/8in (74.3 x 196.5 x 123.5cm)

          Bonhams
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each approximately 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printin
          May. 03, 2010

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each approximately 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printin

          Est: $4,000 - $6,000

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each approximately 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office. Conditions vary, generally B+: restoration and repaired tears at edges; vertical and horizontal folds. Framed. Until the attack on Pearl Harbor, America's involvement in World War II consisted of a ramped up industrial production of war material for the embattled Allied nations. Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act on March 11, 1941. Although not a military act, it eliminated the possibility that America would remain neutral during the conflict. These exceptional, patriotic work incentive posters were issued by the Office of Emergency Management right on the cusp of America's entry into the Second World War. They were equally as efficient during the few official months of Lend-Lease as they were after America's official declaration of war. "Lionni [along with Herbert Matter, Lester Beall and Milton Ackoff] carried photographic poster illustration to new heights of inventiveness. [He was] able to bring the clean asymmetry of Bauhaus design into everyday life in this country long before Gropius and Mies Van der Rohe were given an opportunity to do so in architecture." (Word & Image p. 62). "War preparedness required the quickest, largest buildup in history, triggering numerous 'production incentive' posters . . . [These four posters] each used the same layout: the flag's blue field contained a photograph of home front workers, and the product of their labor was shown on the war front, amidst red and white stripes serving as road, sky or sea lanes. With the war still an abstraction for most Americans, these posters connected what happened 'here' and 'over there.' " (Resnick p. 68). Born in Holland, Lionni grew up in Italy. He moved to Philadelphia in 1939, and found employment with the advertising firm N. W. Ayer. By 1948 he had become Art Director for Fortune magazine (a position he held until 1960). His advertising credits include work for Olivetti typewriters, Chrysler and Ford. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196.

          Swann Auction Galleries
        • LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each approximately 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printin
          May. 21, 2009

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999). KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each approximately 40x29 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printin

          Est: $4,000 - $6,000

          LEO LIONNI (1910-1999) KEEP 'EM ROLLING! Group of 4 posters. 1941. Each approximately 40x29 1/2 inches, 102x75 cm. U.S. Government Printing Office. Conditions vary, generally B+. Until the attack on Pearl Harbor, America's involvement in World War II consisted of a ramped up industrial production of war material for the embattled Allied nations. Congress passed the Lend-Lease Act on March 11, 1941. Although not a military act, it eliminated the possibility that America would remain neutral during the conflict. These exceptional, patriotic work incentive posters were issued by the Office of Emergency Management right on the cusp of America's entry into the Second World War. They were equally as efficient during the few official months of Lend-Lease as they were after America's official declaration of war. "Lionni [along with Herbert Matter, Lester Beall and Milton Ackoff] carried photographic poster illustration to new heights of inventiveness. [He was] able to bring the clean asymmetry of Bauhaus design into everyday life in this country long before Gropius and Mies Van der Rohe were given an opportunity to do so in architecture." (Word & Image p. 62). "War preparedness required the quickest, largest buildup in history, triggering numerous 'production incentive' posters . . . [These four posters] each used the same layout: the flag's blue field contained a photograph of home front workers, and the product of their labor was shown on the war front, amidst red and white stripes serving as road, sky or sea lanes. With the war still an abstraction for most Americans, these posters connected what happened 'here' and 'over there.' " (Resnick p. 68). Born in Holland, Lionni grew up in Italy. He moved to Philadelphia in 1939, and found employment with the advertising firm N. W. Ayer. By 1948 he had become Art Director for Fortune magazine (a position he held until 1960). His advertising credits include work for Olivetti typewriters, Chrysler and Ford. Resnick 38, Word & Image p. 90, Modern Poster 196.

          Swann Auction Galleries
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