# Tomi Ungerer artist context and auction value notes

Canonical page: https://appraisily.com/artist/tomi-ungerer/
Profile generated: 2026-05-06T22:34:32.624Z
Quality: high confidence, strong sources

## Artist identity

- Birth date: 1931-11-28
- Death date: 2019-02-08
- Nationality: French
- Movements: Social and political graphic art, Children's book illustration
- Common media: ink drawing, lithographic poster, collage, graphic illustration, photography

## About Tomi Ungerer

Tomi Ungerer (1931–2019) was a French illustrator, writer, and cartoonist born in Strasbourg, Alsace. Over a career spanning six decades, he published more than 140 books ranging from celebrated children's literature to sharp political satire and autobiography. After moving to the United States in 1956, Ungerer became a prominent editorial illustrator and poster designer, producing iconic images for the civil rights movement and anti-Vietnam War campaigns. He settled in Ireland in 1976. His children's books, including the Mellops series and The Three Robbers, are regarded as classics of the genre, while his adult collages and drawings explore provocative and fantastical themes. A museum dedicated to his work, Musée Tomi Ungerer, is located in his native Strasbourg. His graphic output spans drawing, collage, poster design, and photography.

## Common works and media

Original ink and wash illustrations, lithographic posters (especially political and advertising designs from the 1960s), collages, editorial drawings, and photographic works. Signed limited-edition prints of poster designs appear regularly at auction. Early editions of children's books such as the Mellops series, The Three Robbers, and Crictor are common in the illustrated book market. Film posters and book covers bearing his artwork also circulate among collectors.

## Market and appraisal context

Ungerer's work appears at auction in several forms: original ink drawings, lithographic posters, collages, and signed prints. His 1960s political posters are particularly prized among graphic design and counterculture collectors. Original illustrations command stronger prices than printed posters or book reproductions, so correct medium identification is essential. Provenance, condition, signature, and documented exhibition history all influence value. First editions and signed copies of his children's books also trade actively in the rare book market. The sheer volume of his published output means collectors should verify whether a work is an original or a reproduction before valuation.

## Appraisily data basis

Appraisily artist pages combine verified artist identity research from institutional authority files—including library authorities and official artist estates—with public auction records, sale dates, realized prices, and comparable lot data when those records are available.

## Sources

- Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q558085
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomi_Ungerer
- Getty Vocabulary Program: https://vocab.getty.edu/page/ulan/500051676
- VIAF: https://viaf.org/viaf/85424814/
- Library of Congress: https://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n80036613
- RKD: https://rkd.nl/en/explore/artists/232337
- Tomi Ungerer Estate: http://www.tomiungerer.com