Lazy Lou'siana Moon
Print/Sheet Music (Graphic Art on Paper) • Walter Donaldson (Composer/Lyricist); Manning (Cover Artist, attributed by signature in lower right corner); Donaldson, Douglas & Gumble Inc. (Publisher)
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Tin Pan Alley Graphic Design
Medium & Technique
Lithography/Offset printing on standard paper stock with monochrome blue ink
Creation Period
1930 (Copyright date of the composition)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 9 x 12 inches; Portrait format
Subject Description
A southern-themed music cover featuring a stylized arched vignette of a palm tree over a moonlit coast. The typography uses elegant, flowing scripts and serif fonts typical of early 20th-century American music publishing iconography.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows significant signs of age-appropriate wear and handling
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Likely purchased for domestic use by a musician or collector; features a handwritten owner's name 'John Re...' at the top margin and 'by' notation in the left field
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Tin Pan Alley ephemeral art. Walter Donaldson was one of the era's most prolific hit-makers; this piece illustrates the commercial design aesthetic used to market popular sheet music during the Great Depression.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Donaldson-Douglas & Gumble' publisher's logo at the bottom center; signature of the graphic artist 'MANNING' visible in the bottom right corner; 'MADE IN USA' stamp; distinctive blue-on-buff color palette.
Condition Issues
Visible edge wear including small tears and chipping at the top and bottom left; overall yellowing/toning of the paper (oxidation); faint creasing and minor surface staining
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free, archival-quality Mylar sleeve with a buffered backing board. Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity to prevent further brittleing and foxing.