Leslie Darrell Ragan Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Leslie Darrell Ragan Art Value Price Guide

Sep. 24, 2026
Leslie Ragan, The Scenic Route to New York World's Fair / New York Central System, 1939.
Est: $1,200 - $1,800
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 The Scenic Route to New York World's Fair / New York Central System. 1939. Lithograph poster. An assemblage of scenic, captioned snapshots that travelers might see on a trip to New York City to visit the World's Fair, with the iconic Trylon and Perisphere prominently in the foreground. Many of the little views roughly correspond with pre-existing New York Central Line posters, while the other images were actually used on brochures published by the railroad. New York p. 81.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 24, 2026
Leslie Ragan, New York / The Upper Bay from Lower Manhattan, 1935.
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 New York / The Upper Bay from Lower Manhattan. 1935. Lithograph poster. An intriguing and dramatic bird's-eye view of Battery Park, with New York harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey visible in the background. The view is, in fact, based on a photograph taken by Percy Loomis Sperr from the Observation Deck of the Cities Service Building, 70 Pine Street, in Manhattan's financial district. The building, also referred to as 60 Wall Tower, was constructed between 1930 and 1932. "[Ragan's] work exemplified the American taste for realistic depiction while highlighting the natural environment for dramatic effect . . . Ragan's sense of composition and refined wash technique made his best images burst with reflected light. . . [his] cityscapes were particularly noteworthy for their dramatic perspective and powerful massing of Deco-styled skyscrapers. Appropriately, his New York City images best communicated the sense of dynamic rhythm and energy emblematic of the skyscraper age" (Zega, p. 95ff). An early 1940s photograph by Andreas Feininger was also shot from virtually this exact vantage point (see next lot). Zega 127, Metzl p. 157, New York p. 70.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 24, 2026
Leslie Ragan, Rockefeller Center New York, Circa 1935.
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 Rockefeller Center New York. Circa 1935. Lithograph poster. A bird's-eye view of Rockefeller Center rising from amidst the cityscape with its roof gardens and landscaped grounds. Put into monolithic perspective by St. Patrick's Cathedral in the foreground and the Hudson River and New Jersey in the distance, this complex of buildings rises so high that even the shadow it casts is impressive. "This poster predates the completion of Rockefeller Center, which was built between 1931 and 1939. . . Ragan's view is not an entirely accurate rendering of the complex since it includes several buildings that were not ultimately realized" (New York City Posters p. 71). As with some of his other posters Ragan relied on pre-existing artwork as the basis for this poster. Here, he uses an architectural rendering of the buildings by John Wenrich designed in the early 1930s. He may have also been inspired by a promotional postcard, which similarly includes some anachronisms, like the incorrect number of roof gardens, and the orientation of certain buildings. Voyage p. 137, Zega p. 102, Affiches Art Deco p. 113, New York City p. 71.
Swann Auction Galleries
Aug. 29, 2026
Original NY 1940s Leslie Ragan Travel Calendar Poster
Est: $400 - $600
Ragan, Leslie Darrell 1897 - 1972 Twilight on the Hudson River (Calendar Top) Letterpress Printing 1947 21.6 x 16.1 in. (55 x 41 cm) Printer: no information Condition Details: (A-/B+) on linen, calendar top, small tears and tiny paper losses at the edges, white/brown bottom margin added in lieu of blank calendar at the bottom #USA #Travel #Trains #New York
PosterConnection Inc.
Jul. 30, 2026
Leslie Ragan, The Scenic Route To New York World's Fair. 1939.
Est: $700 - $1,000
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 The Scenic Route To New York World's Fair. 1939. Condition B+: restoration, creases and abrasions in margins and image. Matted and framed. An assemblage of scenic, captioned snapshots that travelers might see on a trip to New York City to visit the World's Fair, with the iconic Trylon and Perisphere prominently in the foreground. Many of the little views roughly correspond with pre-existing New York Central Line posters, while the other images were actually used on brochures published by the railroad. New York p. 81.
Swann Auction Galleries
Jun. 17, 2026
Leslie Ragan, Free a Man to Fight / World War II vintage poster
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
Leslie Ragan Free a Man to Fight / World War II vintage poster 1943 28 h x 20 w in (71 x 51 cm) While best known for his work in promotion of travel aboard the New York Central System, here Ragan advertises the many jobs available to women at his primary employer. From the offices and shops to the more technical positions at the stations and on the trains, each woman working at New York Central would allow another man to fight overseas. An example of this poster is held in the collection of The Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI. Brett Lithographic Co., USA Literature: PAI-XCII, 79 This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Poster Auctions International Inc
May. 20, 2026
Leslie Ragan, New York Central / The Century in the Highlands of the Hudson vintage poster
Est: $2,000 - $2,800
Leslie Ragan New York Central / The Century in the Highlands of the Hudson vintage poster c. 1944 33.5 h x 16 w in (85 x 41 cm) Cognizant of the fact that superior graphics can be transplanted into different surroundings with an equally stunning impact, Ragan transposed his streamlined locomotive previously seen on the banks of the Hudson (see PAI-LXXXIII, 441) into the autumnal splendor of the Hudson Highlands. Very few changes have been made to the 20th century, but the change in location highlights the technological marvel of design and transportation as it simultaneously generates a panoramic reason to ride the rails. This poster includes a detailed map of the rail line's routes from Boston to Chicago.<br><br>Like many early 20th century railroad advertisements, the composition pairs an idealized American landscape with the commanding presence of the locomotive, presenting travel as both scenic escape and progress. Sunlight glancing across its polished surface evokes the Art Deco fascination with speed and elegance, while underscoring the talent of Ragan, an Iowa-born artist trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, whose celebrated career produced more than one hundred posters for the New York Central Railroad alone.<br><br>A variant of this poster design is held in the collection of the Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY. Literature: (all var): Travel by Train, 152; Favre/Chemin de Fer, p. 109; PAI-LXXXV, 418 This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Poster Auctions International Inc
May. 20, 2026
Leslie Ragan, New York Central / Union Terminal Cleveland vintage poster
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Leslie Ragan New York Central / Union Terminal Cleveland vintage poster c. 1938 offset lithograph in colors 40.75 h x 27 w in (104 x 69 cm) Since the late 1800s, railroads had been constructing train stations of monumental proportions, steeped in classical design. In 1925, it was time for Cleveland to gain such a structure, unifying the city's rather discombobulated rail system and adding architectural beauty to the landscape. Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White-the firm who completed Chicago's Union Station that same year-were given the project, which would take until 1930 to complete. For some time, it remained the tallest building in Cleveland. This poster is part of a series Ragan created for the N.Y. Central celebrating cities that it served. Latham Litho, Long Island City, NY Provenance: Estate of Seymour Stein Literature: Zega, p. 96; PAI-LXV, 454 This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Feb. 11, 2026
Leslie Ragan United Nations Fight Freedom Poster
Est: $50 - $500
Leslie Ragain (American, 1897-1972), United Nations Fight for Freedom, circa 1943 color print on paper. The wartime image features Allied naval power with rising smoke and a formation of planes above, backed by a soaring array of United Nations flags including the U.S., U.K., U.S.S.R., and allies. Signed in the plate under glass, lower left in a linen back. Retains it's gallery framing label on verso. Presented in a dark colored wood frame. Sight size approximately 26" x 18". Dimensions: 35.25 X 27.25 X 1 in. Condition: Good to fair overall condition with typical surface wear, toning and having a fold with crease line. Frame exhibiting storage wear to edges and corners. Note: This condition statement is provided as a courtesy and reflects an opinion, not a statement of fact. Bidders are encouraged to inspect items in person or through an agent to assess condition. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping Information: Hill Auction Gallery does not offer in-house packing or shipping services. As a courtesy, we are pleased to refer trusted third-party shipping providers for buyer convenience. Buyers are encouraged to contact shippers directly to obtain packing quotes, shipping rates, insurance options, and estimated transit times. Additional local, domestic, and international shipper referrals may be available upon request. Parcel Shipping Providers: First Class Shipping Center, 11700 NW 41st Street, Coral Springs, FL. Phone (754) 800-7674. Email 1shippingcenter@gmail.com. Mr. Ship Pro, 7838 NW 44th St, Sunrise, FL 33351. Phone (305) 783-9504. Email roberto@mrshippro.com. The UPS Store #2881, 11110 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, FL 33351. Phone (954) 572-4004. Email store2881@theupsstore.com. Freight & Large Item Shipping / Local Florida Delivery: Available through independent providers. Please contact info@hillauctiongallery.com for referrals based on item size, location, and delivery requirements.
Hill Auction Gallery
Dec. 03, 2025
Leslie Ragan United Nations Fight Freedom Poster
Est: $100 - $1,000
Leslie Ragain (American, 1897-1972), United Nations Fight for Freedom, circa 1943 color print on paper. The wartime image features Allied naval power with rising smoke and a formation of planes above, backed by a soaring array of United Nations flags including the U.S., U.K., U.S.S.R., and allies. Signed in the plate under glass, lower left in a linen back. Retains it's gallery framing label on verso. Presented in a dark colored wood frame. Sight size approximately 26" x 18". Dimensions: 35.25 X 27.25 X 1 in. Condition: Good to fair overall condition with typical surface wear, toning and having a fold with crease line. Frame exhibiting storage wear to edges and corners. Note: This condition statement is provided as a courtesy and reflects an opinion, not a statement of fact. Bidders are encouraged to inspect items in person or through an agent to assess condition. Estate fresh to the market. Shipping: Please Note: Shipping, handling, and insurance are available for this lot. To use this service, buyers must select âArrange Self Shippingâ at checkout rather than the LA platformâs âLive Shippingâ option. Please contact Roberto@mrshippro.com prior to bidding for a domestic or international shipping quote. Local third-party shippers, freight services, and delivery options are also available upon request.)))
Hill Auction Gallery
Nov. 25, 2025
Leslie Ragan. Railroads on Parade / New York World's Fair. 1939.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 Railroads on Parade / New York World's Fair. 1939. Condition B+: repaired tears at edges, one into upper text; replaced losses, creases and restoration in margins; minor abrasions in image; repaired pin holes in corners. Among the exceptional exhibits at the 1939 New York World's Fair was the Court of Railways, "a sixteen-acre display of locomotives, trains, and the men who made them run. Twenty-seven principal railroads east of the Mississippi participated, and there were three and a half miles of track . . . in the yards stood the British-built John Bull locomotive of 1831 alongside a modern 140-foot Pennsylvania streamlined giant that ran continuously at sixty miles an hour on a roller bed . . . the highlight of the exhibit was Railroads on Parade . . . a pageant about the 'romance of transport' from covered wagon days to the streamlined trains of 1939. . . it aimed to highlight the role transportation played in the opening and development of the vast American continent" (World of Tomorrow p. 101-102).
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 25, 2025
Leslie Ragan. The Scenic Route To New York World's Fair. 1939.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 The Scenic Route To New York World's Fair. 1939. Condition B+: restoration, creases and abrasions in margins and image. Matted and framed. An assemblage of scenic, captioned snapshots that travelers might see on a trip to New York City to visit the World's Fair, with the iconic Trylon and Perisphere prominently in the foreground. Many of the little views roughly correspond with pre-existing New York Central Line posters, while the other images were actually used on brochures published by the railroad. New York p. 81.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 25, 2025
Leslie Ragan. The New 20th Century Limited / New York Central System. 1939.
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 The New 20th Century Limited / New York Central System. 1939. Condition A-: minor overpainting in margins; slight skinning in bottom right corner; printed on thick paper, as issued, linen-backed. A powerful Art Deco image of one of the last century's most famous American trains. In the 1930s, technology began to reflect the sleek, aerodynamic lines of the Art Deco movement, and the New 20th Century Limited, designed by Henry Dreyfuss, was the pride of the New York Central Line. This image has been featured by the United States Postal Service on a series of stamps commemorating the 1930s and is among the most prominent American Art Deco posters ever designed.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 25, 2025
Leslie Ragan. New York / The Upper Bay from Lower Manhattan. 1935.
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Leslie Ragan 1897-1972 New York / The Upper Bay from Lower Manhattan. 1935. Condition B+: repaired tears at edges, some into image with slight overpainting; restoration in margins; minor stain in upper image; minor creases and abrasions in image. An intriguing and dramatic bird's-eye view of Battery Park, with New York harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey visible in the background. The view is, in fact, based on a photograph taken by Percy Loomis Sperr from the Observation Deck of the Cities Service Building, 70 Pine Street, in Manhattan's financial district. The building, also referred to as 60 Wall Tower, was constructed between 1930 and 1932. "[Ragan's] work exemplified the American taste for realistic depiction while highlighting the natural environment for dramatic effect . . . Ragan's sense of composition and refined wash technique made his best images burst with reflected light. . . [his] cityscapes were particularly noteworthy for their dramatic perspective and powerful massing of Deco-styled skyscrapers. Appropriately, his New York City images best communicated the sense of dynamic rhythm and energy emblematic of the skyscraper age" (Zega, p. 95ff). An early 1940s photograph by Andreas Feininger was also shot from virtually this exact vantage point. Zega 127, Metzl p. 157, New York p. 70.
Swann Auction Galleries
Nov. 15, 2025
Travel Poster Union Terminal Cleveland New York Central Lines Railway Ragan
Est: £375 - £750
Original vintage travel poster - The new Union Terminal Cleveland. New York Central Lines - featuring design by Leslie Ragan (1897-1972) depicting the Cleveland Union Terminal building towering high above people and cars below with golden rays of sun above it. Built in 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Union Terminal was originally commissioned by the Van Sweringen brothers, prominent local railroad moguls and real estate developers. It was used as a terminal for all trains coming into Cleveland via the New York Central, Nickel Plate Road, Big Four, Erie, and Baltimore & Ohio railroads; the last passenger service left the terminal in the 1970s. Good condition, creasing, tears, staining, pinholes. Country of issue: USA, designer: Leslie Ragan, size (cm): 104x69, year of printing: 1930.
Antikbar Original Vintage Posters
Nov. 13, 2025
RAGAN, Leslie (1897-1972). New York Central System. Three 1...
Est: $400 - $600
RAGAN, Leslie (1897-1972). New York Central System. Three 12-month calendars dated 1950, 1952, and 1953. Images include: Bannerman’s Island - Hudson River Story Spot Since Indian Days - Now Holds a Fabulous Stock of Arms and Military Curios; The “New England States” in the Berkshires; and Buffalo - Midway on the Water Level Route. Paper. Scattered creases and edgewear. B+/B. Size each 39 x 25”.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Oct. 12, 2025
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) 'United - The United Nations Fight For Freedom', original 1943 colour poster, the artist's name at lower left in the plate, published by the United States Office of War Information, 103 x 71cm.
Est: $250 - $350
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) 'United - The United Nations Fight For Freedom', original 1943 colour poster, the artist's name at lower left in the plate, published by the United States Office of War Information, 103 x 71cm.
Leski Auctions Pty Ltd
Sep. 06, 2025
Original 1945 NY Calendar Poster 20th Century Limited
Est: $700 - $1,000
Ragan, Leslie Darrell 1897 - 1972 New York Central System (Calendar Top) Offset 1945 20.4 x 16.1 in. (52 x 41 cm) Printer: no information Condition Details: (B+) small edge tears, minor creases in image, top green margin and bottom calendar are trimmed off #USA #Travel #Trains #Design
PosterConnection Inc.
Jul. 22, 2025
Leslie Ragan, Union Terminal Cleveland / New York Central
Est: $1,500 - $2,000
Leslie Ragan Union Terminal Cleveland / New York Central c. 1938 offset lithograph in colors 39.25 h x 27.125 w in (100 x 69 cm) Since the late 1800s, railroads had been constructing train stations of monumental proportions, steeped in classical design. In 1925, it was time for Cleveland to gain such a structure, unifying the city's rather discombobulated rail system and adding architectural beauty to the landscape. Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White-the firm who completed Chicago's Union Station that same year-were given the project, which would take until 1930 to complete. For some time, it remained the tallest building in Cleveland. This poster is part of a series Ragan created for the N.Y. Central celebrating cities that it served. Latham Litho, Long Island City, NY Literature: Zega, p. 96; PAI-LXV, 454 This work will ship from Chicago, Illinois.
Poster Auctions International Inc
May. 22, 2025
Leslie Ragan (1897-1972); The New 20th Century Limited;
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Leslie Ragan (1897-1972) The New 20th Century Limited, 1939 Offset lithograph in colors on wove paper, linen-backed, published by Latham Litho Co., Long Island City, New York, the full sheet, framed. sheet 40 7/8 x 27in (103.9 x 68.6cm)
Bonhams
Apr. 24, 2025
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). THE NEW 20TH CENTURY LIMITED / NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM. 1939. 40¾x26¾ inches, 103½x68 cm. Latham Litho. Co.,
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) THE NEW 20TH CENTURY LIMITED / NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM. 1939. 40¾x26¾ inches, 103½x68 cm. Latham Litho. Co., Long Island City. Condition B+: repaired tears and restoration in margins; restoration along horizontal creases in upper right image; repaired pin holes in corners. Framed. A powerful Art Deco image of one of the last century's most famous American trains. In the 1930s, technology began to reflect the sleek, aerodynamic lines of the Art Deco movement, and the New 20th Century Limited, designed by Henry Dreyfuss, was the pride of the New York Central Line. This image has been featured by the United States Postal Service on a series of stamps commemorating the 1930s and is among the most prominent American Art Deco posters ever designed. Crouse p. 263, Zega 152, Encyclopedie de l'Affiche p. 209, Affiches Chemin de Fer p. 107, Affiches Art Deco p. 87.
Swann Auction Galleries
Mar. 05, 2025
Leslie Ragan, New York Central / The Century in the Highlands of the Hudson
Est: $2,500 - $3,000
Leslie Ragan New York Central / The Century in the Highlands of the Hudson c. 1944 33.5 h x 15 w in (85 x 38 cm) Cognizant of the fact that superior graphics can be transplanted into different surroundings with an equally stunning impact, Ragan transposed his streamlined locomotive previously seen on the banks of the Hudson (see PAI-LXXXIII, 441) into the autumnal splendor of the Hudson Highlands. Very few changes have been made to the 20th Century, but the change in location highlights the technological marvel of design and transportation as it simultaneously generates a panoramic reason to ride the rails. This poster includes a detailed map of the rail line's routes from Boston to Chicago. Literature: (all var): Travel by Train, 154; Favre/Chemin de Fer, p. 109; PAI-LXXXV, 418 This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Feb. 20, 2025
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM. Three calendars. 1950s. 27½x18 inches, 69¾x45¾ cm. Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul.
Est: $700 - $1,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM. Three calendars. 1950s. 27½x18 inches, 69¾x45¾ cm. Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul. Condition varies, generally B+: each with metal strips at top and bottom for hanging; with calendar pages affixed at bottom. Paper. Group includes: The "New England States" in the Berkshires (1950); Bannerman's Island (1952); and Buffalo (1953). Images available upon request.
Swann Auction Galleries
Feb. 06, 2025
Original 1940s American WW II Poster LESLIE RAGAN
Est: $300 - $400
Ragan, Leslie Darrell 1897 - 1972 United - The United Nations fight for Freedom Offset 1943 27.9 x 20 in. (71 x 51 cm) Printer: Condition Details: (B+/A-) was folded, on linen (old), small tears and minor creasing at the edges and in image, minor wear at the fold#USA #World War II #United Nations
PosterConnection Inc.
Jan. 05, 2025
Leslie Ragan, Lithograph, Chicago New York Central Lines
Est: $800 - $2,000
A color lithograph by Leslie Ragan, originally designed in 1929 to promote travel on the New York Central Line railroad. This artwork captures a vibrant cityscape of Michigan Avenue, showcasing world-famous Chicago architecture with remarkable Art Deco stylization. The composition exemplifies Ragan's ability to convey architectural elegance and a sense of movement, hallmarks of his work. This particular lithograph was printed by Latham Litho and Printing Company, Long Island City, New York, and republished in 1987 by Poster Plus Inc., Chicago, Illinois. The poster features publisher markings: 1987 Poster Plus Inc. on the lower left and Latham Litho and Printing Co. on the lower right. Leslie Ragan (18971972) was one of the most celebrated commercial illustrators of his time, known for his iconic travel posters created for major railroads and airlines. His meticulous attention to detail, mastery of light, and ability to romanticize modern transportation made him a leading figure in 20th-century American illustration. His work is highly sought after by collectors and celebrated for its enduring appeal. Housed in a metallic frame, the poster's dimensions are 23.5"L x 35.5"H, with the frame measuring 24.5"L x 1.25"W x 36.25"H. This exceptional piece is both a collector's item and a tribute to Ragan's masterful ability to evoke the grandeur of the golden age of rail travel. Excellent condition with vibrant colors, ready for display. Artist: Leslie Ragan (American, 1897-1972) Issued: 1987 Dimensions: See Description
Lion and Unicorn
Nov. 15, 2024
Leslie Ragan (American, 1897-1972) 'The New 20th Century Limited' New York Central System Poster, H 40.5" W 26.5"
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
Signed by Leslie Ragan (American, 1897-1972) to the lower left in plate. The lower margins reading 'The New 20th CENTURY LIMITED' New York - 16 hours - Chicago' 'NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM'. Published by Latham Litho. Co. Inc. Long Island City, N.Y. Frame measures H 41" x W 27". Provenance: Property from an Ann Arbor, MI private collector.
DuMouchelles
Nov. 12, 2024
Leslie Ragan, Free a Man to Fight
Est: $1,200 - $1,500
Leslie Ragan Free a Man to Fight 1943 28 h x 20 w in (71 x 51 cm) While Ragan's best work was created in promotion of travel aboard the New York Central System, here he advertises the many jobs available to women at his primary employer. From the offices and shops to the more technical positions at the stations and on the trains, each woman working at New York Central would allow another man to fight overseas. Brett Lithographic Co., USA Literature: PAI-XCII, 79 This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 12, 2024
Leslie Ragan, Free a Man to Fight
Est: $1,700 - $2,000
Leslie Ragan Free a Man to Fight 1943 27.75 h x 20 w in (70 x 51 cm) While Ragan's best work was created in promotion of travel aboard the New York Central System, here he advertises the many jobs available to women at his primary employer. From the offices and shops to the more technical positions at the stations and on the trains, each woman working at New York Central would allow another man to fight overseas. Brett Lithographic Co., USA Literature: PAI-XCII, 79 This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Poster Auctions International Inc
Nov. 07, 2024
RAGAN, Leslie (1897 – 1972). Chicago / New York Central Lin...
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
RAGAN, Leslie (1897 – 1972). Chicago / New York Central Lines. 1929. Brooklyn: Latham Litho & Ptg. Co. A woman strolls in Grant Park, the Edward H. Bennett-designed classical peristyle behind her, and towering buildings of Michigan Avenue and clouds in the background. This was Ragan’s first poster for New York Central Lines. 40 ¾ x 27”. Linen backed. Expertly repaired tears in image; over-painting and repaired scattered tears in margins; some spots of over-painting in image. B.
Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Oct. 30, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897–1972)
Est: £3,000 - £5,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897–1972) CHICAGO, NEW YORK CENTRAL LINES offset lithographic poster, 1929, condition A-; not backed 41 x 27 in. (104 x 68 cm.)
Lyon & Turnbull
Oct. 13, 2024
Leslie Ragan, Lithograph, Chicago New York Central Lines
Est: $800 - $2,000
A color lithograph on paper of Leslie Ragans first poster in 1929 to promote travel on the New York Central Line railroad and featuring a city scene of world-famous Michigan Avenue. Printed by Latham Litho and Printing Company, Long Island City, New York and published in 1987 by Poster Plus Inc., Chicago, Illinois. 1987 Poster Plus Inc. on lower left. Latham Litho and Ptg Co. on lower right. Housed in a metallic frame. Poster size: 23.5"L x 35.5"H. Frame dimensions: 24.5"L x 1.25"W x 36.25"H. Artist: Leslie Ragan (American, 1897-1972) Issued: 1987 Dimensions: See Description
Lion and Unicorn
Oct. 10, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM / THE NEW EMPIRE STATE EXPRESS PASSING WEST POINT. Calendar back. 1942. 21x16 inches,
Est: $700 - $1,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM / THE NEW EMPIRE STATE EXPRESS PASSING WEST POINT. Calendar back. 1942. 21x16 inches, 53¼x40½ cm. Condition A: minor creases at edges. Matted and framed. This was the first calendar back that Ragan designed for the New York Central. Over the next twelve years he designed ten others, for a total of 11 between 1942 and 1954.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 10, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). RAILROADS ON PARADE / NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR. 1939. 40½x27¼ inches, 102¾x69¼ cm.
Est: $2,500 - $3,500
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) RAILROADS ON PARADE / NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR. 1939. 40½x27¼ inches, 102¾x69¼ cm. Condition B+: repaired tears at edges, one into upper text; replaced losses, creases and restoration in margins; minor abrasions in image; repaired pin holes in corners. Among the exceptional exhibits at the 1939 New York World's Fair was the Court of Railways, "a sixteen-acre display of locomotives, trains, and the men who made them run. Twenty-seven principal railroads east of the Mississippi participated, and there were three and a half miles of track . . . in the yards stood the British-built John Bull locomotive of 1831 alongside a modern 140-foot Pennsylvania streamlined giant that ran continuously at sixty miles an hour on a roller bed . . . the highlight of the exhibit was Railroads on Parade . . . a pageant about the 'romance of transport' from covered wagon days to the streamlined trains of 1939. . . it aimed to highlight the role transportation played in the opening and development of the vast American continent" (World of Tomorrow p. 101-102).
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 10, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). [NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM / THE HIGHLANDS OF THE HUDSON]. Oil maquette. Circa 1943. 35¾x29¾ inches, 90¾x75½ cm
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) [NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM / THE HIGHLANDS OF THE HUDSON]. Oil maquette. Circa 1943. 35¾x29¾ inches, 90¾x75½ cm. Condition B+: small paint losses along crease at bottom; abrasions and slight aging in image; water stains on verso at bottom, not showing through; horizontal scratch at top corners. Oil on canvas. Framed without glass. Leslie Ragan designed eleven calendars for the New York Central Railroad between 1942 and 1954. This autumnal masterpiece appeared on the 1944 calendar back with the caption "The Century in the Highlands of the Hudson." The artist depicts the 20th Century Limited, with its iconic engine designed by Henry Dreyfuss, as it winds its way through the Hudson Valley with its purple and orange mountains and amber and yellow foliage. The image is strikingly similar to a 1941 poster Ragan designed promoting the The New Empire State Express as it steams through an autumn landscape. Clearly the artist was so taken with his first iteration that he chose to reimagine it with a more famous locomotive.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 10, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). THE NEW 20TH CENTURY LIMITED / NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM. 1939. 40¼x26 inches, 102¼x66 cm. Latham Litho. Co., L
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) THE NEW 20TH CENTURY LIMITED / NEW YORK CENTRAL SYSTEM. 1939. 40¼x26 inches, 102¼x66 cm. Latham Litho. Co., Long Island City. Condition B+: slight time-staining and minor abrasions in margins; minor creases in margins and image. This is the variant printed on heavy stock. A powerful Art Deco image of one of the last century's most famous American trains. In the 1930s, technology began to reflect the sleek, aerodynamic lines of the Art Deco movement, and the New 20th Century Limited, designed by Henry Dreyfuss, was the pride of the New York Central Line. This image has been featured by the United States Postal Service on a series of stamps commemorating the 1930s and is among the most prominent American Art Deco posters ever designed. Zega 152, Encyclopedie de l'Affiche p. 209, Crouse p. 263, Affiches Chemin de Fer p. 107, Affiche Art Deco p. 87.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 10, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). WORLD'S FIRST STREAMLINED STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. Gouache maquette. Circa 1934. 38x24 inches, 96½x61 cm.
Est: $6,000 - $9,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) WORLD'S FIRST STREAMLINED STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. Gouache maquette. Circa 1934. 38x24 inches, 96½x61 cm. Condition B+: water stains throughout. Gouache on board. Framed. For this exceptional maquette for an unrealized poster, Ragan depicts the Commodore Vanderbilt, America's first streamlined locomotive, which went into service for the New York Central Lines towards the end of 1934. "On December 27, 1934 the 'World's First-powered Streamlined Steam Locomotive' was exhibited at the Grand Central Terminal" (nycshs.org, from a 1981 article by Carl Kantola, a civil engineer for the railway). After this exhibit, the Commodore Vanderbilt was sent on an exhibition tour of the principal cities on the New York Central, then placed in regular 20th Century service. (Ibid). Although a realized version of this poster has never come to market, this exact image (in black and white) appears on the cover of The Lionel Magazine, March - April 1935. A variation of Ragan's depiction of the locomotive was also used on a 1936 New York Central Lines brochure which read "The 20th Century Limited / 16 ½ Hours Between New York and Chicago." In addition to the image of the train itself, Ragan also most likely designed the streamlined typography for this poster.
Swann Auction Galleries
Oct. 10, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972). THE NEW UNION TERMINAL / CLEVELAND. 1930. 41x27 inches, 104x68½ cm. Latham Litho & Ptg Co., Long Island City
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) THE NEW UNION TERMINAL / CLEVELAND. 1930. 41x27 inches, 104x68½ cm. Latham Litho & Ptg Co., Long Island City. Condition A-: expertly restored margins; repaired tears in image with slight overpainting; minor abrasions in image. A monumental image of a monumental building, shown bathed in the fiery orange of a dramatic sunset, which cloaks its shadowed side in lavender, and each of its wings in a different color. Rising 52 stories above Cleveland's Public Square, the terminal was the second tallest building in the world in 1930. The massive urban redevelopment that accompanied its construction foreshadowed Rockefeller Center in New York City. "Ragan framed his subject with dark silhouettes of adjacent buildings, painting a dream-like sunset image . . . alternating expanses of flat color with intense detail, a scheme that characterized his later work" (Zega p. 95). This was the second poster that Ragan designed for the New York Central Lines. Zega 120.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 27, 2024
Leslie Darrell Ragan. "Moonlight in Duneland," color lithograph
Est: $600 - $900
(American, 1897-1972) Color lithographic vintage advertising poster, signed in print cr, sight size: 32 3/4 x 21 1/4 in., framed size: 39 1/4 x 27 3/4 in.
Alex Cooper
Sep. 26, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) New York / The Upper Bay from Lower Manhattan. 1935.
Est: $5,000 - $7,500
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) New York / The Upper Bay from Lower Manhattan. 1935. Lithograph poster. 100½x66 cm, 39½x26 inches; Latham Litho. Co., Long Island City. An intriguing and dramatic bird's-eye view of Battery Park, with New York harbor, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and New Jersey visible in the background. The view is, in fact, based on a photograph taken by Percy Loomis Sperr from the Observation Deck of the Cities Service Building, 70 Pine Street, in Manhattan's financial district. The building, also referred to as 60 Wall Tower, was constructed between 1930 and 1932. "[Ragan's] work exemplified the American taste for realistic depiction while highlighting the natural environment for dramatic effect . . . Ragan's sense of composition and refined wash technique made his best images burst with reflected light. . . [his] cityscapes were particularly noteworthy for their dramatic perspective and powerful massing of Deco-styled skyscrapers. Appropriately, his New York City images best communicated the sense of dynamic rhythm and energy emblematic of the skyscraper age" (Zega, p. 95ff). An early 1940s photograph by Andreas Feininger was also shot from virtually this exact vantage point (see next lot). Zega 127, Metzl p. 157, New York p. 70.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 26, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) The Scenic Route to New York World's Fair / New York Central System. 1939.
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) The Scenic Route to New York World's Fair / New York Central System. 1939. Lithograph poster. 101x66 cm, 39¾x26 inches; Forbes, Boston. An assemblage of scenic, captioned snapshots that travelers might see on a trip to New York City to visit the World's Fair, with the iconic Trylon and Perisphere prominently in the foreground. Many of the little views roughly correspond with pre-existing New York Central Line posters, while the other images were actually used on brochures published by the railroad. New York p. 81.
Swann Auction Galleries
Sep. 21, 2024
Original 1940s American WW II Poster LESLIE RAGAN
Est: $400 - $600
Ragan, Leslie Darrell 1897 - 1972 United - The United Nations fight for Freedom Offset 1943 27.9 x 20 in. (71 x 51 cm) Printer: US Government Printing Office Condition Details: (A-) was folded, minor wear at the folds#USA #World War II #United Nations
PosterConnection Inc.
Jul. 11, 2024
New York Central System / Twilight on the Hudson River.
Est: $1,700 - $2,000
ARTIST: LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) SIZE: 16 x 21 3/4 in./40.5 x 55.3 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: The New York Central’s Empire State Express achieved world renown early in its long career with locomotive 999’s record-setting run of 112.5 miles per hour in 1891. Decades later, the train was one of the first equipped with streamlined cars by the Central, although its inaugural run was overshadowed by world events on December 7, 1941. In this early evening view of the Empire State Express cruising along the Central's well-manicured four-track mainline, Ragan effectively uses single-point perspective to draw the eye down the polished rails toward New York City, just beyond the welcoming horizon. (Art Deco; Travel; Railway; American; New York)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Jul. 11, 2024
The New 20th Century Limited. 1938.
Est: $6,000 - $8,000
ARTIST: LESLIE RAGAN (1897-1972) SIZE: 27 x 40 1/2 in./68.6 x 102.8 cm PRINTER: DESCRIPTION: This is one of the greatest, most iconic images in the history of American art. “In June 1938, the New 20th Century Limited... made its debut. To mark the occasion, Ragan created a poster that became the archetype of American streamliner designs. His rendering left locomotive driving wheels and gadgetry in shadow, instead focusing on the Century’s distinctive satin-finished crescent-shaped prow as it caught the morning sunlight while streaming alongside the Hudson River, New York City-bound" (Travel By Train, p. 124). (Art Deco; Travel; Railway; American; New York)
Poster Auctions International Inc
Jul. 06, 2024
Leslie Ragan - Vintage Advertising Poster
Est: $70 - $80
Leslie Ragan - Vintage Advertising Poster. Offset Lithograph. 26 x 36. Very good condition
Bruce Teleky Inc.
Jul. 03, 2024
NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILROAD POSTER BY LESLIE RAGAN
Est: $400 - $600
Original poster calendar top 'The New York State Empire Passing West Point in the Highlands of the Hudson on the New York Central System' by Leslie Ragan (1897-1972) for the year 1942. Professionally mounted and framed. Image size 15.5 x 20.5 inches, overall frame size approx. 24.75 x 27 inches, ready for hanging.
Fairhill Auction LLC
Jun. 15, 2024
Leslie Ragan - Vintage Advertising Poster
Est: $70 - $80
Leslie Ragan - Vintage Advertising Poster. Offset Lithograph. 26 x 36. Very good condition
Bruce Teleky Inc.
May. 26, 2024
Leslie Ragan - Vintage Advertising Poster
Est: $70 - $80
Leslie Ragan - Vintage Advertising Poster. Offset Lithograph. 26 x 36. Very good condition
Bruce Teleky Inc.
May. 16, 2024
LESLIE RAGAN - THE NEW 20TH CENTURY LIMITED NEW YORK
Est: $200 - $400
Lot 61 Leslie Ragan American (1897-1972) The New 20th Century Limited New York lithograph reproduction sight: 35 x 23 1/2 inches frame dimensions: 38 1/2 x 27 x 1 inches, wood frame with glazing Provenance: From the Collection of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Capsule Gallery Auction