Maya Angelou Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Maya Angelou Art Value Price Guide

Jul. 17, 2026
Angelou, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, 1969.
Est: $200 - $300
Angelou, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, 1969. 8vo. Original black cloth gilt, top edge stained red (spotting to top edge, ownership stamp on front free endpaper); dust jacket (dampstained near top edge of rear panel and flap, a few nicks to top of spine). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings marks the first volume in what would ultimately become a seven-volume autobiography. It was written in the months following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on 4 April 1968 - coincidentally, also Maya Angelou's birthday - at the suggestion of James Baldwin, as a way of working through her grief and depression over King's death. Baldwin would later call the resulting work "a Biblical study of life in the midst of death." Its themes of identity, racism, trauma, and literacy led to equal parts acclaim and criticism, with the book hailed as one of the greatest works of biography ever produced by an American author and one of the most frequently banned or challenged books in the United States. This lot is located in Chicago.
Freeman’s
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. [ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014) [and] WINFREY, Oprah (b. 1954)]. A Celebration of Maya. Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach, Florida, April 20
Est: $500 - $1,000
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. [ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014) [and] WINFREY, Oprah (b. 1954)]. A Celebration of Maya. Mar-a-Lago Club, Palm Beach, Florida, April 2008. Photographs by Brian Lanker. [mypublisher.com for Lanker, 2008]. Oblong 4to. Profusely illustrated with photographs from the gala celebration of Maya Angelou hosted by Oprah Winfrey. Publisher's plain black boards, unclipped (no price) dust jacket. FIRST EDITION OF THIS RARE RECORD OF THE CELEBRATION OF ANGELOU, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY ANGELOU ON THE FFEP.: "Aaronetta + Joe Pierce and their Beloveds. Joy + Always Love! Maya Angelou 7/22/2008". Laid-in is a printed portrait of Angelou and Winfrey printed in the style of a painting (11 x 8 1/2"). Beautiful and rare, Angelou inscribed this to famous collectors of African-Americana. Presumably, only a small number of this book were produced.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969].
Est: $300 - $600
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969]. 8vo. [282] pp. Publisher's full black cloth, front board and spine lettered in gilt, spine stamped in red, publisher's unclipped ("$5.95") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST BOOK, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE HALF-TITLE: "Joe Price and his Beloveds, over years and always, Joy! Maya Angelou Jan. 30, 2002".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969].
Est: $300 - $600
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969]. 8vo. [282] pp. Publisher's full black cloth, front board and spine lettered in gilt, spine stamped in red, publisher's unclipped ("$5.95") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST BOOK, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE FFEP.: "Joe + Aaronetta Pierce + Family, Thank you for accepting my love and giving me yours in return! Joy! Maya Angelou 4/15/97".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969].
Est: $400 - $800
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969]. 8vo. [282] pp. Publisher's full black cloth, front board and spine lettered in gilt, spine stamped in red, publisher's unclipped ("$5.95") dust jacket. THIRD PRINTING OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST BOOK, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE FFEP.: "Aaronetta + Joe Joe + Michael Pierce, Joy! How I love you- and thank you. Maya Angelou 10/12/85".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie. New York: Random House, [1971].
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie. New York: Random House, [1971]. 8vo. [49] pp. Publisher's red cloth backstrip over orange boards, front board lettered in blind, spine lettered in silver, publisher's unclipped ("$4.95") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, SIGNED BY ANGELOU ON THE TITLE-PAGE: "Joy! Maya Angelou 11/10/2000". Angelou's first collection of poetry.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Life Doesn't Frighten Me. Paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat. New York: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, [199
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Life Doesn't Frighten Me. Paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat. New York: Stewart, Tabori and Chang, [1993]. Folio. Illustrated. Unpaginated. Publisher's glossy boards, publisher's unclipped ("$14.95") dust jacket. SECOND PRINTING OF THIS CHILDREN'S BOOK, INSCRIBED BY ANGELOU ON THE VERSO OF THE FFEP.: "Joe + Aaronetta Pierce, Love + Joy! Maya Angelou Sep 4 '95".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Bantam Books, [1980].
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Bantam Books, [1980]. 16mo. Mass market paperback. Publisher's perfect-bound wrappers. LATER PAPERBACK EDITION, INSCRIBED BY ANGELOU ON THE DEDICATION PAGE: "Aaronetta + Joe Pierce, For Grace, thank you, Joy! Maya Angelou 5/22/83".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). The Heart of a Woman. New York: Random House, [1981].
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). The Heart of a Woman. New York: Random House, [1981]. 8vo. [273] pp. Publisher's black cloth backstrip over dark gray boards, front board and spine lettered in red, publisher's unclipped ("$12.50") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE FFEP.: "Aaronetta + Joe Pierce; Thank you for your generous South-Western hospitality Joy! Maya Angelou 5/22/83".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). The Heart of a Woman. New York: Random House, [1981].
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). The Heart of a Woman. New York: Random House, [1981]. 8vo. [273] pp. Publisher's black cloth backstrip over dark gray boards, front board and spine lettered in red, publisher's unclipped ("$12.50") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE HALF-TITLE: "For the Pierce Family, Love + Courage, Joy! Maya Angelou 10/12/85".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Singin' and swingin' and gettin' merry like Christmas. New York: Random House, [1976].
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Singin' and swingin' and gettin' merry like Christmas. New York: Random House, [1976]. 8vo. [271] pp. Publisher's red cloth backstrip over orange boards, front board and spine lettered in gilt, publisher's unclipped ("$8.95") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE DEDICATION PAGE: "Joe + Aaronetta Pierce, My friends and Dears, always Love. Joy! Maya Angelou Sept 3 '93".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? New York: Random House, [1983].
Est: $300 - $400
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Shaker, Why Don't You Sing? New York: Random House, [1983]. 8vo. [47] pp. Publisher's purple cloth backstrip over red boards, front board and spine lettered in silver, publisher's unclipped ("$7.95") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE HALF-TITLE: "Aaronetta + Joe Pierce and Family, your grace and warmth encourage + inspire Joy! Maya Angelou 5/22/83".
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 09, 2026
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. [FINE PRESS BOOKS]. [BIGGERS, John (1924-2001), illustrator]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Our Grandmothers. [New York:] The Limite
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. [FINE PRESS BOOKS]. [BIGGERS, John (1924-2001), illustrator]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Our Grandmothers. [New York:] The Limited Editions Club, [1994]. Large folio. Illustrated with 5 lithographs by Biggers. Unpaginated. Publisher's full red cloth, front board lettered in black, publisher's matching red cloth clamshell box with black paper label inset on upper lid. #289/400 COPIES SIGNED BY ANGELOU AND BIGGERS. A beautifully illustrated version of Angelou's poem celebrating African-American women who came before. Laid-in is the Limited Editions Club newsletter.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
May. 14, 2026
[EASTON PRESS]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Norwalk, CT: Easton Press, [1999].
Est: $300 - $500
[EASTON PRESS]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Norwalk, CT: Easton Press, [1999]. 8vo. 281 pp. Publisher's full red leather, gilt, red watered silk endleaves.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
May. 14, 2026
Angelou, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, 1969.
Est: $400 - $600
Angelou, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, 1969. 8vo. Original black cloth gilt, top edge stained red; dust jacket. FIRST EDITION. INSCRIBED BY MAYA ANGELOU: "Joy!.. The caged bird sings of freedom." I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings marks the first volume in what would ultimately become a seven volume autobiography. It was written in the months following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on 4 April 1968 - coincidentally, also Maya Angelou's birthday - at the suggestion of James Baldwin, as a way of working through her grief and depression over King's death. Baldwin would later call the resulting work "a Biblical study of life in the midst of death." Its themes of identity, racism, trauma, and literacy led to equal parts acclaim and criticism, with the book hailed as one of the greatest works of biography ever produced by an American author and one of the most frequently banned or challenged books in the United States. This lot is located in Chicago.
Freeman’s
Jul. 20, 2025
BOOK: MAYA ANGELOU FRANKLIN LIBRARY SIGNED FIRST EDITION
Est: $100 - $200
Book: "All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes," Maya Angelou (American, 1928-2014), The Franklin Library, 1986, signed limited first edition, green leather binding with gold tooling, all edges gilt, 211 numbered pages, approx 8.75"h, 6"w, 1.25"d, 1.25lbs
Austin Auction Gallery
May. 20, 2025
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Signed Edition, Sealed
Est: $20 - $40
Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Signed Edition, Sealed,
Weschler's
Jan. 16, 2025
ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings....
Est: $300 - $600
ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969]. 8vo. [282] pp. Publisher’s full black cloth, front board stamped in gilt, spine stamped in gilt and red, publisher’s unclipped (“$5.95”) dust jacket (minor toning to edges of jacket). Fine. FIRST EDITION OF ANGELOU’S FIRST BOOK, THE FIRST BOOK IN A SERIES OF HER 7 VOLUME AUTOBIOGRAPHY. This book is the basis of the 1979 television film starring Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, and Esther Rolle.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jul. 24, 2024
Maya Angelou Photo from Star Tribune Archives
Est: $150 - $300
One gelatin silver print or original vintage press photographic reproduction from the archives of the Star Tribune depicting Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou is a revered figure who was an influential author, poet and civil rights activist, and is noted for writing the literary classic "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings." In addition to acting in the "Roots" miniseries, Angelou was Hollywood's first female black director, and she was awarded over 50 honorary degrees including the highest civilian honor possible, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Provenance: From the archives of the Star Tribune, established over 150 years ago, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The copyrights for these images remains solely with the Star Tribune or with the issuing agency or photographer. The prints are available as a collectible item only and may not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without prior written consent from the copyright holder.
Revere Auctions
May. 23, 2024
Angelou, Maya (1928-2014) Two Typed Letters Signed, 1976 & 1977.
Est: $300 - $500
Angelou, Maya (1928-2014) Two Typed Letters Signed, 1976 & 1977. Two sheets of Angelou's Sonoma, CA residence writing paper, signed Maya and Maya & Paul; to Robert D. Hale, bookseller and general manager of the Hathaway House Bookshop of Wellesley College, thanking him for a pleasant visit, noting that she will be traveling to New York in mid-May to work on pre-production for her Broadway play, Still I Rise, giving her New York address, and other friendly news; old folds, each 7 1/4 x 10 1/2 in. (2)
Swann Auction Galleries
Dec. 05, 2023
CONTEMPORARY ANGLO-AMERICAN LITERATURE - Maya Angelou (St. Louis, 1928 - Winston-Salem, 2014) - Photographic portrait signed
Est: £100 - £150
Maya Angelou (St. Louis, 1928 - Winston-Salem, 2014) Photographic portrait signed and dated “Oct. 85” of the American poet, singer and civil rights activist. Her autobiographical fiction brought her international recognition and acclaim. (10 x 12.5 cm).
L'Autographe Auctions
Dec. 02, 2023
Maya Angelou Signed Bookplate
Est: -
Maya Angelou Signed Bookplate - Offered is a signed bookplate by American memorist, poet, and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, who also adds the inscription "Joy!" and the date "5/99". Angelou published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.
GWS Auctions
Nov. 16, 2023
Maya Angelou Presidential Metal of Freedom Award
Est: $500 - $5,000
Tony and Grammy Awards winner. Signed photograph and COA. 221/2" X 25 3/4" Note: Donley Auctions does not warranty any third party COA's or authenticity.
Donley Auction Services
Sep. 23, 2023
Maya Angelou: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, First Edition 1969
Est: $150 - $200
Maya Angelou. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, 1969 first edition, stated frst printing. Unclipped dust jacket.
Britannic Auctions
Nov. 17, 2022
ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Wat...
Est: $100 - $150
ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie. New York: Random House, [1971]. 8vo. Publisher’s red cloth backstrip over red boards, front board stamped in blind, spine lettered in silver (board edges sunned, bumped and edgeworn); original printed dust jacket (rubbed and toned at edges). Later printing. The author’s second book. INSCRIBED BY ANGELOU ON THE FFEP: “Mrs. Etta Moten, What a pleasure to sign this book to you. Joy! Maya Angelou May ‘76”. Etta Moten Barnett (1901-2004) was an actress, activist, and singer, and was the first African American to perform in the White House in the 20th Century. Her second husband, Claude Albert Barnett (1889-1967) was the founder of the Associated Negro Press. From the collection of the Barnett family.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Jun. 09, 2022
Angelou (Maya) Gather Together in My Name, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author, New York, 1974.
Est: £300 - £400
Angelou (Maya) Gather Together in My Name, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to half-title, original boards, dust-jacket, light sunning to spine, spine ends a little creased, otherwise excellent 8vo, New York, 1974. ⁂ The second in Angelou's 7-book memoir series, following immediately on from the events in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Written three years after Caged Bird, the book depicts a single mother's descent down the social ladder into poverty and crime and touches on similar themes of poverty, racial abuse, family and identity.
Forum Auctions - UK
Feb. 23, 2022
ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, 1969.
Est: $200 - $300
ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, 1969. 8vo. Original gilt-lettered black cloth, top edge stained red; original dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE of Angelou's first auto-biographical work. [With:] WALKER, Alice (b. 1944). To Hell With Dying. New York: Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich, 1988. 4to. Numerous illustrations by Catherine Deeter. Red cloth-backed pictorial boards stamped in gilt; original pictorial dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, SIGNED BY WALKER.
Hindman
Jul. 07, 2021
Angelou (Maya) Gather Together in my Name, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author, New York, Randomhouse, 1974.
Est: £200 - £300
Angelou (Maya) Gather Together in My Name, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author on front free endpaper, original red cloth, dust-jacket, spine lightly faded, still overall a near-fine example, New York, Random House, 1974. ⁂ The second in Angelou's 7-book memoir series, following immediately on from the events in I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. Written three years after Caged Bird, the book depicts a single mother's descent down the social ladder into poverty and crime and touches on similar themes of poverty, racial abuse, family and identity.
Forum Auctions - UK
Jul. 07, 2021
Angelou (Maya) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author, New York, Randomhouse, 1969.
Est: £400 - £600
Angelou (Maya) I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author on front free endpaper, small ownership inscription above, very light tea stain to endpaper, original black cloth, lightly marked, top edge stained red, dust-jacket, flap with light creases though overall in excellent condition, New York, Randomhouse, 1969. ⁂ First issue of Angelou's first autobiographical work, documenting her childhood and early experiences of racism and misogyny. This issue with number line 9 to 2 beneath "first printing", dust-jacket priced $5.95 and with 2/70 on rear flap.
Forum Auctions - UK
Mar. 03, 2021
Maya Angelou Shaker Why Don't You Sing Book
Est: $10 - $1,000
20th Century; Original, First Edition 1983 with dust jacket, Excellent condition minor foxing on page edges. Appears to be complete and all original. Please view photos. 11 DAV
Mebane Antique Auction
Jan. 18, 2020
Author MAYA ANGELOU - Her Book Signed
Est: $75 - $125
Maya Angelou (1928-2014) Author. Angelou published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. Her book, The Heart of A Woman, Random House, 1981, signed on the first title page. The dust jacket is unblemished.
The Written Word Autographs
Nov. 10, 2019
Maya Angelou Basquiat Book
Est: $60 - $150
Promotional-only package issued by Island Records in 1996 to promote the "Basquiat" film and soundtrack. Includes a hardcover copy of the book "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" by Maya Angelou w/ Basquiat; the book is wrapped in original canvas and twine. In goood original condition. Dimensions 10" x 12" x 1/2".
District Auction
May. 04, 2019
Maya Angelou Signed Work and Photographic Essay on Africa
Est: $25 - $25,000
Maya Angelou Signed Work and Photographic Essay on Africa as follows: Angelou, Maya. Wouldn't Take Nothing For My Journey Now (New York: Random House, 1993), First Edition, #131 of 500 signed by the author, 12mo, burgundy linen, presented in slipcase. Fine condition, plus Ricciardi, Mirella. Vanishing Africa (New York: Reynal & Company, 1971), folio, photographic boards with dust jacket, loaded with photographs (dust jacket with tears; the book in very good condition). Additional high-resolution photos are available at LelandLittle.com
Leland Little Auctions
Mar. 02, 2018
Maya Angelou and John T. Biggers, Our Grandmothers, large folio in red cloth binding
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Maya Angelou (American 1928-2014) and John T. Biggers (American 1924-2001) Our Grandmothers Large folio in red cloth binding, 1994, hand signed John Biggers and Maya Angelou and numbered 122/400 in pencil on last page, words by Maya Angelou and lithographs by John T. Biggers, published by the Limited Editions Club, NY; apparently in good condition. Housed in a red cloth presentation box. Size of box: 23 x 18-1/4 in (58.4 x 46.4 cm)Property of Various Owners
Weschler's
Dec. 10, 2017
Maya Angelou Signed Autographed Poem
Est: $150 - $300
"Still I Rise". Printed poem on paper signed in pen center left "Joy Maya Angelou". Undated. Professionally framed. 11" x 8.5" paper; 18.75" x 16.25" frame
District Auction
Apr. 07, 2017
MAYA ANGELOU
Est: $200 - $300
MAYA ANGELOU (1928-2014) American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, best known for her autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". Hand-written undated cover letter for a draft of her short story "Rehearsal for a Funeral", 1p. 8 1/2" x 11", sent to Pat Ratler, an editor at Harper''s Magazine. The letter reads, in full: "Hello Pat Ratler, I re-did this (?) times and am finally sending off, what I think is the best version. Please call and share with me your feelings." Angelou signs at the conclusion, adding the post-script: "Sorry for the typing but can''t find my typist lady." Angelou''s address in another hand is added in pencil at the top of the page, and a second pencil notation is visible on the reverse. The letter accompanies a 10-page mimeographed reproduction of Anglou''s typed manuscript, showing her corrections to the text in facsimile. Also present are two approx. 8" x 5" handwritten notes, containing commentary and criticism of Aneglou''s manuscript in several hands, both ink and pencil, including a note from Ratler on Harper''s magazine letterhead. "Rehearsal for a Funeral" would be published in the academic journal "The Black Scholar" in June of 1975. The items show original folds, else very good.
Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
Sep. 15, 2015
MAYA ANGELOU (1928 - 2014) The Protector of Home and Family.
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
MAYA ANGELOU (1928 - 2014) The Protector of Home and Family. Oil on canvas board, 1969. 457x610 mm; 18x24 inches. Signed "Maya" in oil, lower right. Provenance: the estate of Dr. Maya Angelou. We beleive this remarkable painting is the first known visual art work by Dr. Maya Angelou to be publicly exhibited or offered for sale. According to an inscription on the verso, it was painted in the winter of 1969 shortly after her completion of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and evokes the same courageousness found in her acclaimed autobiography. Dr. Angelou's The Protector of Home and Family is painted with bold brush strokes, and confronts the viewer unflinchingly. This painting is a strong visual statement of African-American women's courage and strength - a determination to confront the oppression and threats that many faced during the late 1960s.
Swann Auction Galleries