Wednesday, July 26, 2017

A Ballerina's Shadows: Donald Higgins Proposed New Yorker Cover Art

Donald Higgins published five New Yorker covers over the course of his career. All of them are scenes in very low light, the brightest being a predawn view of the rowboats on Central Park Lake. The bold linework here recalls the art of Bernard Buffett.

Donald Higgins, The New Yorker, October 2, 1965

Higgins's study of a ballerina with a multiplicity of shadows cast by stage lights is something of a departure for him in the preeminence of a figure with movement. Light and shadow are always important elements in the few pieces we have of his, and that remains true here. This composition might have made for an interesting magazine cover but, for whatever reason, it was not accepted.

Donald Higgins, proposed New Yorker cover

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Donald Higgins's signature

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Donald Higgins
eBay Listing Ended November 16, 2016



Donald Higgins
eBay Item Description

eBay Bid History
Eight bids, five in the final hour of which three were in the final minute


Donald Higgins, proposed New Yorker cover


The eBay listing is actually the second appearance of this work on the market. The piece was first offered on November 1, 2016 by William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals of Chadds Ford, PA with an estimate of $200-$400. It sold there for only $20.
Donald Higgins, proposed New Yorker cover

Donald Higgins's signature

Verso

Donald Higgins
William Bunch Auctions & Appraisals, Chadds Ford, PA
November 1, 2016


Note:  I don't know much about Donald Higgins and his work, but I'd certainly like to see more. Please send along scans and photos of any pieces you may have by this artist.


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