Midnight Maestro: Charles Alston Original New Yorker Cover Art

Harlem Renaissance artist Charles Alston painted only one illustration that was used on the cover of The New Yorker. It graced the issue of October 6, 1934. The original art was sold yesterday at Toomey & Co. Auctioneers of Chicago.

A janitor is shown on stage conducting an imaginary orchestra after hours.

The presale estimate was $8,000 to $12,000, with bidding starting at $6,000.

Charles Henry Alston
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers listing accessed October 12, 2024

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/charles-alston-cover-illustration-for-the-new-yor-114-c-24844738e9?objectID=192265776&algIndex=upcoming_lots_lotNumber_asc_prod&queryID=8eefb851c9952ac2ffa11abbe66a00bb

The artwork was in the collection of Alfred and Martha Montgomery Newman. Alfred Newman was a major Hollywood composer.

Charles Henry Alston
Toomey & Co. Auctioneers listing accessed October 13, 2024

https://www.toomeyco.com/auctions/2024/10/fine-art/114

Charles Henry Alston
The New Yorker, October 6, 1934

https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/1934-10-06/flipbook/CV1/

Charles Henry Alston
Original cover art
The New Yorker, October 6, 1934

Sold!

Hammer price

Price including the buyer's premium

Charles Alston

Alfred Newman

04778