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Pan-American Watercolor Squares by Bertha Corbett, Sunbonnet Sue

By tuffgongc9, 29 November, 2012
Description

Acquired among other Pan American souvenirs, these are the most intriguing.  They are 5" by 6" and say 'Pan-American Souvenir' in the corner.  The opposite corner reads, 'Copyrighted 1900 by Bertha L. Corbett... Minneapolis, Minn.'

These are images of Sunbonnet Kids (Sunbonnet Sue) by the artist who invented them.  It appears they were cut out of white paper, placed on the darker squares, and water colored with details.  One is initialed 'BLC'. 

I can't find anything like them or any original Bertha Corbett art.  The first edition of the Sunbonnet Babies book from 1900 sells for $600 (these were limited to 100 copies).  Still, this is original art of an iconic character by the artist who invented them a couple years before they became popular.  A book published in 1902 is what began the popularity of these faceless children. It's both original antique art and a Pan Am collectible.

I'm very computer literate, I can't find anything like these in any recorded auctions. I can't find any mention of Bertha Corbett having anything to do with the Pan Am expo. It's hard to find any of her artwork at all.  

I'd apprecate any information at all... rarity, value, etc.  I was about to list them on Ebay with some other good Pan Am stuff, but thought I'd better hold off until I learned more and could sell them with better knowledge.

Thank you ALL for your time and consideration. 

Category
General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium
Watercolor and ink. The figures were cut out then reattached to a darker 'souvenir' background.
Distinguishing marks
'BLC' signed on one figure. Both souvenir squares are 'Copyrighted 1900 by Bertha L. Corbett, 607 First Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minn.'
Condition
Excellent
Size and dimensions of this item
5" wide, 6" tall.
Date Period
1900-1901
History
Part of a very impressive Pan Am collection that went up for auction recently.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
Bought a lot of Pan Am memorabilia in one lot.
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user fishwhacker

fishwhacker

12 years 7 months ago

Re: Pan-American Watercolor Squares by Bertha Corbett,...

What a lovely item, thanks for sharing. Something so unique is really going to require an in person valuation and there may or may not be anything similar to base it's value off of. Some things you just have to send across the auction block and hold onto your seats for.

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