Willy Pogany Mother Goose Illustrations

Willy Pogany was a Hungarian artist who moved to the U.S. in 1914 and became a well known figure in the illustration world (he was a contemporary of J.C. Coll, Harvey Dunn, and N.C. Wyeth, among others). Although he is best known for his highly detailed pen and ink work, and his Art Nouveau renderings of classic myths and fables, many believe that his best work was done on children's books, when he simplified his style. His 1928 work on Mother Goose is a perfect example and it is arguably the finest illustrations for the book ever done -- in fact, first editions of the book can command thousands of dollars. I purchased this set of illustrations from an elderly couple who had purchased them 35 years ago. They kept them in immaculate condition -- these could have been painted yesterday. There are 18 full page color illustrations in the book, below of which are four. Several of the other color illustrations have sold at Heritage Auctions, in the $800 - $2000 range.