Lot 309: WESLEY DENNIS (AMERICAN, 1903-1966) DUST JACKET ILLUSTRATION

WESLEY DENNIS (AMERICAN, 1903-1966) DUST JACKET ILLUSTRATION, watercolor and colored pencil on paper, depicting a collie and four other dogs, being the illustration for the front cover and spine of "A Treasury of Dog Stories" collected by Frances Cavanah and Ruth Cromer Weir, published in 1947, not signed. Together with the title and lettering sheet, and a copy of the book. 12" x 11 1/2" sight.

12" x 11 1/2" sight.

Mid 20th century.

Excellent condition.

Ex-estate of Morgan Dennis, son of the artist.

Wesley Dennis was a prolific American illustrator who specialized in books for young adults, especially those dealing with horses. He is best know for his collaboration with popular author Marguerite Henry on her "Misty of Chincoteague" series. Dennis illustrated more than 150 books during his lifetime including John Steinbeck's "The Red Pony" and Anna Sewell's "Black Beauty." Over ten million copies of his books have been printed in a total of ten languages. He also illustrated calendars for prominent companies like Winchester Ammunition, Christmas cards for United Artists, as well as countless magazine illustrations and advertisements. A retrospective exhibit of his work, "Inspired Animation: The Art of Wesley Dennis", was mounted at the National Sporting Library and Museum in 2001.A sizable archive of his work is held by the Special Collections Department of the University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, VA.