Why artist-signed cards are collected
During the golden age of the postcard, publishers competed on design, and they commissioned skilled illustrators to create holiday greetings, children's scenes, glamour portraits, humor and fine art cards. Many of those artists signed their work, and collectors today follow them the way others follow a painter or a photographer. A signature identifies the artist instantly and connects a card to a body of work that collectors know well.
Artists American collectors know well
Ellen Clapsaddle. One of the most prolific American postcard illustrators, known for sweet holiday and greeting designs featuring children, many published by the International Art Publishing Company. Her Halloween cards are especially sought after.
Frances Brundage. Known for charming children's illustrations on holiday and greeting cards for several publishers, including Raphael Tuck & Sons.
Samuel L. Schmucker. Designed many of the most admired holiday cards published by John Winsch, including Halloween and Valentine series, often unsigned but recognized by style.
Harrison Fisher. Famous for his glamorous portraits of fashionable young women, the "Fisher Girls", reproduced on many postcards.
Philip Boileau. Another popular illustrator of elegant women on early postcards.
Rose O'Neill. Creator of the Kewpies, whose postcards have a dedicated following.
Bernhardt Wall. Prolific designer of humorous and holiday cards.
European artists
Alphonse Mucha and Raphael Kirchner are among the most celebrated Art Nouveau artists to design postcards, and their cards are prized by fine art and postcard collectors alike. Louis Wain, famous for his cats, has a strong following, especially in Britain. Cards by these artists can be valuable in fine condition.
What affects value
- The artist. Some names have much larger followings than others.
- The design. Scarce designs and popular subjects within an artist's work, such as Clapsaddle Halloween cards, bring more than common greetings by the same artist.
- Publisher and series. Some publishers' series are especially desirable.
- Printing quality. Fine embossing and rich prewar color.
- Condition. Clean, bright cards with sharp corners.
Unsigned cards by known artists
Many cards by known illustrators are unsigned, but specialists can recognize the style and the publisher's series. If you have a run of similar holiday cards from the same series, it may be the work of a known artist even without a signature.
How to find a signature
Look along the bottom edge and in the lower corners of the design, where artists usually signed. Signatures can be small and woven into the picture. Some cards credit the artist on the back instead.
Artist-signed cards in a collection
Signed greetings and glamour cards are common in family albums from the golden age. Most signed Christmas and birthday greetings are worth modest amounts, while sought-after artists and designs stand out. When I review a collection, I note signed cards and look closely at the artists with strong followings.
Kewpies and character cards
Rose O'Neill's Kewpies, cheerful cherub-like figures that first appeared in magazines in the 1900s, became a national craze and appeared on postcards, dolls and advertising. Kewpie postcards, especially signed designs for holidays and suffrage, have a dedicated following. Other recurring characters on early postcards, from comic strip figures to advertising mascots, attract collectors of those characters as well as postcard collectors.
Fine art cards
Some publishers reproduced famous paintings on postcards, and Art Nouveau artists designed original work for the format. Fine art cards in the decorative styles of the period, with flowing lines, stylized women and floral borders, are prized by collectors of art and design. Look for signatures, European publishers, and card stock and printing of noticeably high quality.
Questions people ask
Are Ellen Clapsaddle postcards valuable?
Many are worth several dollars to tens of dollars; her Halloween and scarcer designs can be worth more.
Are Harrison Fisher postcards worth anything?
They are collected, with values depending on the design, publisher and condition.
What is the most valuable artist-signed postcard?
Fine Art Nouveau cards by artists such as Mucha are among the most valuable in the field.
Do all artist-signed cards have value?
Not necessarily much; common greetings by prolific artists are modest. The artist, design and condition matter together.
Do you buy artist-signed postcards?
Yes, as part of a complete collection.
Glamour and the Gibson Girl era
The early 1900s idealized the fashionable modern young woman, popularized by illustrators such as Charles Dana Gibson, whose "Gibson Girl" defined the look of the era. Many postcard artists drew in this style, and glamour cards of elegant women in large hats and flowing gowns were hugely popular. Collectors of glamour cards follow particular artists and publishers, and cards in bright, clean condition are preferred.
Children on postcards
Children were one of the most popular subjects for postcard illustrators, appearing on holiday greetings, birthday cards and everyday scenes. Artists like Clapsaddle, Brundage and many others specialized in round-cheeked children in seasonal settings. Their work defines the look of early American greeting postcards, and holiday designs with children remain widely collected.
Photographing signed cards for a quote
Photograph signed cards close enough that the signature is readable, plus one back to show the publisher. If there are many by the same artist, one photo of them together is enough.
Are Kewpie postcards valuable? Signed Rose O'Neill Kewpie cards are collected, with holiday and suffrage designs especially popular.
Are Louis Wain cat postcards valuable? Wain cards have a strong following, particularly in Britain, and fine examples can be valuable.
Should I look for signatures before asking for a quote? Not necessary. If you notice any, mention them; otherwise I will spot them in the photos.
Sources and further reading
- TuckDB: the Raphael Tuck & Sons postcard database
- Cornell University Library: copyright term and the public domain
Ready to sell? Compare where to sell old postcards, or see how to sell old postcards step by step.