Reaching for the Moon (Sheet Music Cover)
Graphic Print / Ephemera on Paper • Design attributed to the Irving Berlin, Inc. art department/graphic designers (uncredited individual artist).
Style & Movement
Art Deco, characterized by geometric minimalism and stylized celestial motifs.
Medium & Technique
Color lithography on paper, employing flat-color printing characteristic of early 20th-century commercial graphics.
Creation Period
circa 1930 (Copyright date of the song by Irving Berlin)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
The cover features a stylized celestial scene with a blue circular moon containing a crescent and stars, bisected by a swooping orbital line. The typography is bold and modern, advertising the song title and composer Irving Berlin.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair. Shows signs of handling, edge wear, and paper oxidation (yellowing) consistent with its age.
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $50 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased as consumer sheet music in the 1930s. Contains a small pencil notation '35' at the top right, possibly a previous price or inventory mark.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the intersection of popular music and Art Deco graphic design during the Great Depression. It serves as a visual record of Irving Berlin's prolific output and the marketing of 'The Great American Songbook.'
Notable Features
Includes the original publisher’s address '1607 Broadway, New York' and an early 20th-century music trade union symbol in the bottom left corner.
Condition Issues
Visible edge chipping, minor creasing at the corners, and general foxing or tanning of the paper stock.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality sleeve. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent further fading of the pink and blue inks. Do not use adhesives.