W. W. Denslow (American, 1856-1915). "Down, Down They Plunged, Pearl Clinging to Joe's Hand". Original color lithotint. 1904. Stamp signed with the artist monogram, lower right; signed in the stone, lower right. Edition unknown. Light textured cream wove paper. Wide margins. Fine impression with heavy ink application. Very good to fine condition. Provenance: Ex-collection Frances G. Doolittle. We have not found this scarce, vintage print at auction in the past 25 years. The print is from the portfolio Denslow created to illustrate 'The Pearl and the Pumpkin' by Paul West. William Wallace Denslow was an American illustrator best remembered for his work in collaboration with author L. Frank Baum, especially his illustrations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. With his profits from his plays and books, Denslow bought a small island in Bermuda, built a “castle” on it, and crowned himself King Denslow I of Denslow Island. He began drinking heavily as his career went into a slump, and spent his last years working for a third-rate advertising agency in New York, drawing postcards, sheet music covers, advertising booklets, and an occasional magazine illustration. In 1915, he unexpectedly sold a cover to the popular humor weekly, Life, went on a bender with the money, caught pneumonia, and died. Overall size: 8 11/16 x 6 3/8 in. (221 x 162 mm). Image size: 6 1/4 x 5 1/16 in. (159 x 129 mm). [26469] {R100}