J Howard Miller Artwork

Item Description:

This is a set of four hand-drawn and colorized illustrations by J. Howard Miller, an artist best known for his iconic wartime propaganda posters, including the famous "We Can Do It!" featuring Rosie the Riveter. These illustrations depict notable locations, including:

• Equitable Plaza
• Sixth Avenue
• Cathedral of Learning
• Heinz Chapel

Each piece is signed by the artist and labeled with the name of the respective location.

Category:

Fine Art - Architectural Illustration

Medium:

Hand-drawn and colorized illustrations

Distinguishing Marks:

• Signed by J. Howard Miller
• Labeled with location names

Condition:

Mint

Size and Dimensions:

• Framed Dimensions: 17" x 18"
• Illustration Dimensions: 11" x 11"

Date Period:

Estimated 1950s

History & Provenance:

These pieces were acquired from a thrift store sale for $1.00 each ($4.00 total). The fact that they were found in a thrift setting suggests they may have been part of a larger series or an artist’s personal collection. While J. Howard Miller is primarily recognized for his World War II-era artwork, this collection demonstrates his architectural illustration skills, which are not as widely known or documented.

Market Value & Appraisal Considerations:

While J. Howard Miller’s propaganda posters have significant historical and monetary value, his architectural illustrations are less commonly seen in the market, making it difficult to compare directly with previous auction records. However, based on:

1. The artist’s historical significance
2. The uniqueness of these original illustrations
3. The increasing interest in mid-20th-century architectural artwork

The estimated current market value per piece is $300 - $600, depending on demand, condition, and provenance verification. As a set, these may command a higher price, possibly in the range of $1,200 - $2,000 if sold to the right buyer, such as a collector of Pittsburgh-related artwork, university archives, or architectural enthusiasts.

Recommendation for Professional Appraisal:

Given the artist's reputation and the rarity of these works, it is strongly recommended that a professional appraiseror art auction house evaluate these pieces for:

• Provenance verification (to confirm their authenticity and any historical documentation)
• Market analysis (to determine demand and ideal selling venues)
• Preservation guidance (to maintain the condition and value over time)

Recommended next steps:

• Contact an art historian or fine art appraiser for an official valuation.
• Consult auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Christie's, or Sotheby’s to assess collector interest.
• Reach out to Pittsburgh-based institutions (such as the University of Pittsburgh or historical societies) that may have an interest in acquiring or documenting these pieces.

Final Thoughts:

This collection is a rare and intriguing find that highlights an underappreciated side of J. Howard Miller’s artistic career. If authenticated and marketed correctly, it could attract collectors, historical archives, and art investors, making it a potentially valuable acquisition.