Debuting at auction in our September 29 sale of Illustration Art is a drawing by early twentieth century artist Hilda Rue Wilkinson-Brown. Wilkinson-Brown was the primary illustrator for The Brownies’ Book, a monthly periodical for African American children. The magazine, published by W.E.B. Du Bois during the Harlem Renaissance, was intended to celebrate racial identity by providing content specific to the experience of children of color in America. Wilkinson-Brown’s illustrations depict children in joyous situations both magical and mundane; though the current work was never published, it is a fine example of the cheerful illustrations found in every issue of the magazine throughout its run from 1920 to 1921. As far as we can tell, this is the first time one of her illustrations has appeared at auction.
Lot 99: Hilda Rue Wilkinson-Brown, I thought she had more sense than to swing without a coat, ink, circa 1920. Estimate $600 to $900.
The Brownies’ Book was the first American periodical devoted to enriching children of color. It was also one of the first publications of any kind to print poems by Langston Hughes. In 1919, Du Bois enumerated the seven goals of The Brownies’ Book, and while the language is outdated, we thought the content was worth sharing:
- To make colored children realize that being “colored” is a normal, beautiful thing.
- To make them familiar with the history and achievements of the Negro race.
- To make them know that other colored children have grown into beautiful, useful and famous persons.
- To teach them a delicate code of honor and action in their relations with white children.
- To turn their little hurts and resentments into emulation, ambition and love of their homes and companions.
- To point out the best amusements and joys and worth-while things of life.
- To inspire them to prepare for definite occupations and duties with a broad spirit of sacrifice.
We look forward to seeing many more works by Hilda Rue Wilkinson-Brown cross our block in the future. In the meantime, take a peek at our full catalogue. You may also be interested in the full text of all 22 issues of The Brownies’ Book.
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