World War II: Hershfield, Harry. Original Artwork for a collection of WWII Propaganda Posters, 1941

[WORLD WAR II]

ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY HARRY HERSHFIELD FOR A COLLECTION OF WWII PROPAGANDA POSTERS, 1941

8 ink, gouache, and watercolor drawings on paper (ranging from 21 x 14 to 23 x 16¾ in.; 533 x 355 to 584 x 425 mm), each stamped "Copyright 1941 Advertising Arts Corp. General Motors Bldg, N.Y.C." at lower right, and signed "Hershfield"; 4 drawings lightly mounted to black paper, condition varies but generally good, scattered surface abrasions and marginal tears. Housed in an imitation leather portfolio with ties, and accompanied by ancillary material related to contemporary newspaper publications. 

Harry Hershfield (1885-1974), was a cartoonist, radio host, columnist, and general raconteur. As a comic artist he is best remembered for his news strip "Abie the Agent," which drew upon Mr. Hershfield's background as the son of Jewish immigrants growing up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The present lot is a collection of original artwork for World War II posters, "designed to create unity among all classes," in keeping with the the artist's pacifist maxim: “It's impossible to punch hard when you're laughing.”