Dana Fradon's Strong Man

In 2008, this original cartoon artwork by Dana Fradon was offered for sale by Russ Cochran's Comic Art Auction, where it apparently did not find a buyer despite the low estimate. The cartoon was published more than half a century earlier in the New Yorker of May 19, 1956. Performaing on stage, a strong man elevates a grand piano above his head while a sign off to the side reads "Piano by Steinway." The words on the sign were changed for publication, perhaps to take some of the emphasis off the Steinway brand name. I think the gag reads just fine the way Fradon originally had it.

Dana Fradon, original artwork for the New Yorker, May 19, 1956, page 116

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5761933

Dana Fradon, The New Yorker, May 19, 1956, page 116

The Conde Nast Store

http://www.condenaststore.com/-sp/Strong-man-lifting-a-piano-Sign-nearby-reads-Woloski-the-Great-Piano-New-Yorker-Cartoon-Prints_i8641956_.htm

Dana Fradon, The New Yorker, May 19, 1956, page 116

Dana Fradon, The New Yorker, May 19, 1956, page 116

Note: Another post with original artwork by Dana Fradon is here.

Michael Maslin's informative interview with Dana Fradon was just posted on Ink Spill here.

Some of Mr. Fradon's New Yorker work is on view in the Cartoon Bank here.

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