William Steig: Report of a Beheading / Temptation on the Path

A two-sided drawing by William Steig changed hands last month on eBay. 

The first drawing shows a knight, sword still in hand, presenting a severed head to his lady, who seems rather impassive. The lady is drawn with elegance; the knight is rough-hewn. Did that head belong to someone she knows? Was he a lover? The garden setting provides a contrast with the gruesome subject matter.

This drawing, which bears Steig's signature, is on the side with more toning, the seller notes, indicating that it was framed and displayed. 

On the other, unsigned side, Steig presents us with a devil concealed behind trees. He pokes his head out and gets the attention of a well-dressed young woman walking away from him on the path to town. She pauses and turns her bonneted head towards him. Will this lead to her downfall?

William Steig
eBay listing ended April 11, 2026

https://www.ebay.com/itm/188265051812?_skw=William+Steig+original&itmmeta=01KRSRNF864DV5EWCTBPDD1TPY&hash=item2bd578b6a4:g:V64AAeSwQldp2Zlb&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA0GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xCuoCY2L02nXNhfLB%2BxMYz14UA2CUFDB%2B4eM4HaFHKLcmPKntwydgBSev6ffatPP8h

U%2BY1WMWwV%2B8EaaUfuatpMmxWQHQHgJWUuWt06WRGXBKs56O5U%2BSfC298GV0g%2BLNxF66WcISDc%2BPOg2hYOEVgzSNMkjLpMwXLiOeKqGZ5MF3SpB86wez5iKzDquUWSBb8%2Fc8uO00YJaquCahlPDsA7ssMRj3s4Ojdx%2F7o8teQ0t46pVqjxi2UUKar%2BdqKFiSk%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR5701bjGZw

William Steig
eBay item description

Note:  Whether or not these drawings ever saw publication, William Steig certainly packed a lot into them. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who recalls seeing either drawing, or perhaps a close variation, in print. 

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