Poster Auctions International to Sell Crouse Collection

The extensive Art Deco poster collection will head to auction on October 20, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Fine Art

Poster Auctions International to Sell Crouse Collection

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Poster Auctions International is set to conduct an auction of the renowned Art Deco poster collection assembled by William W. Crouse and his wife, Elaine, on October 20, 2026. The sale will feature iconic works covering themes from aviation and sports to consumer products.

Why it matters

This event offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire high-value pieces from a significant collection previously showcased at the Sarasota Art Museum. The sale highlights the enduring cultural and artistic legacy of Art Deco design.

Estimated values for the auction range from $200,000-300,000 for a 1929 copy of La Revue Black Birds to $20,000-25,000 for the Chrysler poster. These pieces were previously part of a 100-poster exhibition at the Sarasota Art Museum.

The players

William W. Crouse

He is an author and prominent collector of Art Deco posters who penned The Art Deco Poster in 2013.

Jack Rennert

He is the founder of Poster Auctions International who organized the upcoming sale of the collection.

Poster Auctions International

This is an auction house specializing in vintage posters that is managing the upcoming sale event.

Sarasota Art Museum

This is a contemporary art museum that previously hosted an exhibition of 100 posters from the Crouse collection.

The details

The auction features works by prominent artists including A.M. Cassandre, Paul Colin, and Leonetto Cappiello, all presented in museum-grade acrylic framing. The collection spans diverse historical themes such as railways, ocean liners, and automobiles.

Timeline

  1. 1918/1919: Creation of Edward McKnight Kauffer's Daily Herald poster.

  2. 1929: Creation of Paul Colin's La Revue Black Birds.

  3. 2010: William W. Crouse authored Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco Posters.

  4. 2013: William W. Crouse authored The Art Deco Poster.

  5. October 20, 2026: Poster Auctions International conducts the auction.

Industry Dynamics

This auction represents a continuation of the scholarly and commercial interest in Art Deco design solidified by William W. Crouse's 2013 research. It bridges the gap between private collecting and public museum curation, setting new benchmarks for valuation in the vintage poster market.

Interested bidders and art enthusiasts can participate in the auction to acquire historically significant posters with museum-grade preservation. This event provides a rare public opportunity to purchase items previously reserved for private collections and museum exhibitions.

The takeaway

The auction marks a significant moment for enthusiasts looking to invest in verified Art Deco pieces. Serious collectors should review the specific condition and provenance of the works to understand the value of their acquisitions before bidding.

Further reading

Discover more about the evolving market for Fine Art and collector trends in the Chicago area.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Artdaily.

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