"We Wonder . . . . How It Feels to Be a Star," by Frances Tipton Hunter

"We Wonder . . . . How It Feels to Be a Star," by Frances Tipton Hunter

c. 1935

photomechanical offset lithography

This endearing color print, titled "We Wonder . . . . How It Feels to Be a Star," is an original book plate illustration dating to 1935. The artwork was created by acclaimed American illustrator Frances Tipton Hunter to depict a quiet, magical moment of childhood curiosity. The scene features two young children sitting barefoot on the floor in their pajamas, accompanied by a small brown-and-white terrier dog resting across one child's lap. Both children look upward with wide, wonder-filled eyes toward a dark blue circular background framed behind them, which is filled with twinkling white stars. Hunter's distinct signature is visible on the right side just beneath the children, completing a poignant composition characterized by its soft lighting, expressive facial features, and gentle narrative charm.

The piece is situated within the golden era of mid-century American storybook and magazine illustration, a period heavily defined by idealized, heartwarming vignettes of small-town youth. Frances Tipton Hunter (1896–1957) was a premier commercial artist of this epoch, widely celebrated for her frequent, iconic cover illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, Collier's, and Ladies' Home Journal. Hunter’s work rivaled the style of Norman Rockwell, capturing the innocent, humorous, and sometimes mischievous realities of American childhood with great emotional resonance. This specific plate stands out as an excellent historical record of domestic play and holiday traditions during the interwar period. Original vintage printings of Hunter's mid-century illustrations remain deeply sought after by collectors of classic Americana, antique children's literature, and 20th-century graphic arts.

Dimensions: H 12 ½”x 9 ¼”W

Condition: In very good condition