# Arthur Sarnoff artist context and auction value notes

Canonical page: https://appraisily.com/artist/arthur-sarnoff/
Profile generated: 2026-05-24T10:07:41.504Z
Quality: high confidence, strong sources

## Artist identity

- Nationality: American
- Common media: oil painting, illustration (magazine covers, advertisements, calendars)

## About Arthur Sarnoff

Arthur Sarnoff (1912–2000) was an American artist and illustrator best known for his prolific commercial work spanning magazine covers, advertising campaigns, calendar illustrations, and pin-up art. Active during the mid-twentieth century, Sarnoff operated in the tradition of American illustrators whose work appeared widely in popular print media. His output ranged from glamorous pin-up compositions to genre scenes and commercial assignments for major publishers and brands. Collectors today most frequently encounter Sarnoff's work through original illustration paintings that surface at auction, as well as through printed calendars and reproductions that circulated in large numbers. His name is cataloged in the Getty Union List of Artist Names (ULAN 500055465), VIAF, and the Library of Congress authority files, confirming his standing as a documented American commercial artist.

## Common works and media

Sarnoff's auction-eligible output includes original oil illustrations on board or canvas for magazine covers and advertising campaigns, pin-up paintings, calendar art originals, and genre or narrative illustration paintings. Printed calendars, poster reproductions, and commercially published prints also circulate widely and are typically valued at a fraction of original paintings.

## Market and appraisal context

Arthur Sarnoff's original illustration paintings — particularly pin-up subjects and magazine cover artworks — are the works most commonly traded at auction. Valuation depends heavily on whether a piece is an original painting on board or canvas versus a printed reproduction or calendar page, as Sarnoff's commercial work was widely reproduced. Condition, provenance linking the work to a specific publication or commission, and subject matter all affect appraisal value. Collectors should verify attribution carefully, as unsigned or undocumented illustrations attributed to Sarnoff's circle appear on the market.

## Appraisily data basis

This artist page is compiled from authority-file records (Getty ULAN, VIAF, Library of Congress, Wikidata), biographical references, and Appraisily's auction-record database. When available, auction-house context, sale dates, realized prices, and comparable lots supplement the identity and market information presented here.

## Sources

- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q711329
- Getty Vocabulary Program: https://vocab.getty.edu/page/ulan/500055465
- VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/2126717/
- Library of Congress: https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/no2002002733
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Sarnoff