Ralph Lee (American, 1906-1947) Arctic Robinson
Ralph Lee (American, 1906-1947) Arctic Robinson Crusoe, Portland Oregonian newspaper cartoon, April 28, 1941 India ink on heavyweight paper 14 x 12 inches (35.6 x 30.5 cm) (image) Signed lower right: Ralph Lee Ralph Lee was an editorial cartoonist for the Portland Oregon, and this Uncle Sam original was published in the April 28, 1941, edition. Armed and recently arrived in Greenland he finds telltale signs of German visitation, and perhaps presence, on the island. The fall of Denmark to Germany in April 1940 left its colony of Greenland without an overall governing authority. German-occupied Denmark maintained that it was neutral and attempted to govern Greenland, yet local authorities requested the protection of the United States. On 9 April 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered American troops into Greenland and brought it under American protection. This was the situation until 1945. No German ships reached Greenland during World War II. This original was inscribed and signed "To Murray A. Harris - Ralph Lee" above his signature. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Left extreme edge is deckled. Very light toning to sheet. Light pin points of surface dirt, most visible in margins. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 23 x 14.5 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
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Ralph Lee (American, 1906-1947) Arctic Robinson Crusoe, Portland Oregonian newspaper cartoon, April 28, 1941 India ink on heavyweight paper 14 x 12 inches (35.6 x 30.5 cm) (image) Signed lower right: Ralph Lee Ralph Lee was an editorial cartoonist for the Portland Oregon, and this Uncle Sam original was published in the April 28, 1941, edition. Armed and recently arrived in Greenland he finds telltale signs of German visitation, and perhaps presence, on the island. The fall of Denmark to Germany in April 1940 left its colony of Greenland without an overall governing authority. German-occupied Denmark maintained that it was neutral and attempted to govern Greenland, yet local authorities requested the protection of the United States. On 9 April 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered American troops into Greenland and brought it under American protection. This was the situation until 1945. No German ships reached Greenland during World War II. This original was inscribed and signed "To Murray A. Harris - Ralph Lee" above his signature. HID03101062020 © 2026 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.comxTexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice
Condition
Left extreme edge is deckled. Very light toning to sheet. Light pin points of surface dirt, most visible in margins. Wear and markings to margins of page in keeping with illustration and publishing process. Not framed. Sheet overall: 23 x 14.5 inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS"
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
