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Lot: 58150
Auction: 677  
BEN DENISON (American 20th Century) . Original Playboy cartoon from the very first issue, Playboy #1, December 1953 ... (Total: 1 Items)
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Ended: Dec 11, 2007
 
Buyer's Premium: 19.5% of the successful bid (minimum $9.00 per lot)
Description
BEN DENISON (American 20th Century)
Original Playboy cartoon from the very first issue, Playboy #1, December 1953
Gouache on board
11 x 8-1/2in.
Signed lower left
Caption: "Jeannie -- what's the past tense of 'virgin?'"

Offered here an exceptional piece of Playboy lore -- the very first cartoon ever to appear in Playboy #1 (otherwise known as the "Marilyn Monroe issue"). This eye-opener was showcased in the December 1953 issue, on page 9. Its creator, Ben Denison, was an accomplished artist who produced scores of sizzling illustrations for Playboy during the magazine's critical, formative years. Of the tens of thousands of cartoons since published in Playboy, it's important to recognize that this is "the one that started it all." This superb, sexy illustration was the first commissioned piece of artwork to be printed in the premiere issue's interior. The tasteful, yet provocative humor of this sultry scene captured the look and attitudes of the 1950's to a T -- in short, it was a perfect fit for the successful editorial formula of the magazine. This historic cartoon was also published in 1970's The Playboy Cartoon Album #1, a collection of Playboy's most famous cartoons. Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000.

Condition Report*:
The art is in Excellent condition.

*Heritage Auction Galleries strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".

Auction Name: 2007 December Illustration Art Signature Auction #677
Description: Heritage Illustration Art Auctions feature the work of greats such as Norman Rockwell, J. C. Leyendecker, Gil Elvgren, Maxfield Parrish, and Alberto Vargas. To learn about selling through Heritage, call or e-mail one of our Consignment Directors today.
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Item Activity: 2 Internet/mail bidders, 4,837 page views


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