One has heard the expression laughing all the way to the bank. That is decidedly not what cartoonist William Steig depicted in his drawing of an executive laughing at a business chart showing a significant downturn. The original artwork was offered at auction on December 27. It may well date from the Great Depression. Carnegie's Auction Gallery of Los Angeles estimated its worth at $1,000 to $1,500 and opened the bidding at $700. It did not sell, perhaps owing to a present-day downturn.
The auction house suggested the tantalizing prospect that the illustration once had a caption which was erased. That's possible, but a caption seems a bit unnecessary here, no? The erasures could have been printer's instructions or possibly even a dedication to a giftee.
At any rate, it's hard to understand why there wasn't sufficient bidder interest. Economic downturns are always relevant somewhere, and they're funnier than upturns if one discounts the wide swath of people adversely affected by them. This well-fed fellow in the three-piece suit does not appear to be concerned:
Steig uses judicious highlighting to show the flow of the hair, including on the magnate's mustache.
Indecipherable printer's marks are visible along the top:
More markings are seen below Steig's signature, also unreadable. Signing in the shadow makes it harder for the printer to omit or move the signature. |
| William Steig's signature |
Is prosperity just around the corner?
There is writing on the back along the bottom edge. Tell me something I don't know: |
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William Steig
Carnegie's Auction Gallery listing of December 27, 2025
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William Steig
Carnegie's Auction Gallery item description |
Note: I would like to hear from entrepreneurs and others who can identify where this William Steig drawing was published.
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