Two original watercolor illustrations for Rudyard Kipling's iconic work, 'The Jungle Book,' have been rediscovered after being lost for over a century. These significant artworks, previously unrecognized, were found hanging in a London family home, drastically increasing the known number of surviving originals.
The discovery is a major event for art collectors and literary enthusiasts alike, bringing to light pieces of visual history thought to be gone forever. The paintings are now set to go on public sale.
Key Takeaways
- Two 'Jungle Book' original watercolors found after 100 years.
- Discovery increases known surviving originals from four to six.
- Paintings depict Mowgli with Bagheera and Cold Lairs.
- Both works created by the Detmold twins in 1903.
- Expected to fetch around $20,000 each at auction.
A Century-Long Mystery Solved
The two watercolors had been part of a London family's daily life for decades, their true significance unknown. The anonymous owners expressed their surprise at the revelation. "These drawings were never treated as ‘important’ works in our family – they were simply part of our home," they explained. "Finding out that they restore a missing piece of the visual history of Kipling’s The Jungle Book has been completely unexpected."
This rediscovery adds two crucial pieces to the puzzle of the original 'Jungle Book' illustrations. Before this find, only four other original illustrations were known to exist. These are currently held in private collections, at the Natural History Museum, and by the National Trust.
Fast Fact
The original portfolio, 'Sixteen Illustrations of Subjects from Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’,' was commissioned in 1902 and published in 1903, nine years after the book's initial release.
The Artists Behind the Artworks
One of the newly found watercolors, painted by Edward Detmold, features Mowgli alongside Bagheera, the black panther. The second, by Edward's twin brother, Charles Maurice Detmold, illustrates Cold Lairs, the home of the 'Monkey People' or Bandar-log.
The Detmold twins were artistic prodigies who created these works in 1903 when they were just 20 years old. This project marked their final joint venture, as Charles Maurice tragically died at the age of 25.
"To be able to bid for two of the six known surviving original watercolors is a vanishingly rare opportunity," stated Lara L’vov-Basirov of Roseberys auction house.
The 1903 Portfolio and Its Rarity
The watercolors were originally part of a deluxe portfolio titled 'Sixteen Illustrations of Subjects from Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’.' This collection was commissioned by publisher Macmillan & Co. in 1902. It was released in 1903, separate from the book itself, which had first been published in 1894.
Only 500 copies of this limited-edition portfolio were reportedly produced. These portfolios are now extremely rare. Many of the 16 large plates were often removed by owners and framed individually, breaking up the complete sets. The U.S. Library of Congress holds one of the few complete copies.
Impact of the Original Publication
When the portfolio first launched, it made a significant impact, receiving headline reviews across both sides of the Atlantic. A reviewer for The Guardian specifically praised both of the individual watercolors now found.
The first standard printed edition of 'The Jungle Book' to include the Detmold illustrations was published by Macmillan in 1908. This edition featured the 16 plates, along with a frontispiece also illustrated by the Detmold twins.
Historical Context
Rudyard Kipling's 'The Jungle Book' originally collected stories he had previously published in magazines. Early editions included illustrations by various artists, including Kipling's own father. The Detmold twins' contributions added a new visual dimension to the already beloved stories.
Auction Details and Expected Value
London auctioneers Roseberys will offer both artworks for sale on March 10. Experts at the auction house believe each painting could fetch approximately $20,000.
The opportunity to acquire these pieces is considered exceptionally rare. The fact that the printed versions of these illustrations are also uncommon further highlights the significance of finding the original watercolors.
A Glimpse into Art History
This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the visual history of one of literature's most cherished works. It reminds us that valuable pieces of art can sometimes hide in plain sight, waiting for their true importance to be recognized.
The story of these watercolors is a testament to the enduring appeal of 'The Jungle Book' and the artistic legacy of the Detmold brothers.