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Original antique newspaper clipping with substantial age-related toning, brittleness, folds, edge wear, small tears, chipping, creasing, and other deterioration. The artwork remains highly displayable. The Winsor McCay signature is printed as part of the original illustration and is not hand-signed. Please examine all photographs carefully.
This original early-20th-century newspaper illustration by legendary cartoonist Winsor McCay, best known for Little Nemo in Slumberland and Dream of the Rarebit Fiend.
The dramatic artwork depicts an elderly man approaching a doorway marked “DEATH,” where the Grim Reaper waits. A caption above the man reads:
“I DID THE BEST I COULD”
McCay’s printed signature appears in the lower-right corner of the artwork.
The reverse contains additional period newspaper material, including illustrated theatrical advertisements and articles related to Pauline Frederick and the stage production Fedora. A vintage red paper label/sticker is also attached to the reverse.
The clipping is housed in a large, clear, two-sided custom display holder that allows both sides to remain visible while helping protect the fragile newspaper. The holder measures approximately 18 inches wide, with the newspaper artwork measuring roughly 17 inches across.
Included
* Original Winsor McCay newspaper clipping
* Clear two-sided custom display holder shown in the photographs
This is an uncommon and visually striking piece of early American newspaper-cartoon history, particularly desirable for collectors of Winsor McCay, antique comics, macabre imagery, Grim Reaper artwork, or historic newspaper ephemera.
Please review all photographs for exact condition, measurements, and contents. The item pictured is the exact item the buyer will receive.
Ships carefully packed and fully insured.
