Shaw-Barton

Henry “Hi” Hintermeister – Mid‑Century Fishing Scene | Original Calendar Art Proof, c. 1950s (Two sizes)

Select your desired calendar proof (size) below: Hintermeister Fishing Art - Large Calendar Proof (13 ⅞ x 9 ⅜") Hintermeister Fishing Art - Small Calendar Proof (8 ⅞" x 6 ⅞")

$175.00 USD

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Title:: "There's Many A Slip"
Publisher:: Shaw Barton
Type:: Original Commercial Art Proof
Subject:: Fishermen | Comical
Artist:: Henry “Hi” Hintermeister (1897–1970)
Era:: Mid-Century Modern (1945- 1970)
Circa:: Circa 1950s (based on stylistic traits and comparable fishing‑themed calendar art)
Origin:: United States
Print type:: Pre-Press Commercial Proof
Material:: Paper
Medium:: Original Calendar Proof Illustration
Dimensions:: See variant description
Condition:: Very Good (VG)
Mounting:: Production notes on reverse
Book genre:: Art | Illustrated

1950s There's Many a Slip Hintermeister Comical Fishing Scene Calendar Art Proof

Collector’s Note

A vibrant and humorous mid‑century sporting illustration by Henry “Hi” Hintermeister, produced as a commercial art proof for Shaw Barton, a calendar publisher. Original commercial art proofs were used by calendar companies to evaluate color accuracy, composition, and layout before mass printing. Produced in extremely limited numbers and never sold to the public, making them highly desirable to collectors of sporting art, Americana, and mid‑century illustration.

This lively outdoor scene entitled, There's Many a Slip, captures Henry “Hi” Hintermeister’s signature blend of humor, action, and richly detailed American landscapes. Three fishermen are caught in a moment of comic chaos beside a woodland stream: one angler, losing his footing on a slick rock face, slides toward the water with wide‑eyed surprise as a trout leaps dramatically from the pool below. His companions react with animated delight — one waving his hat in encouragement, the other gesturing excitedly from a nearby rock.

Rendered in bright, saturated color with crisp mid‑century linework, the illustration showcases the qualities that made the Hintermeisters (father and son) two of the most beloved artists in the American calendar industry. The lush green forest, distant blue mountains, and sparkling water reflect the optimistic, outdoor‑adventure aesthetic that dominated 1950s calendar art, particularly in sporting and recreational themes. Hintermeister's signature and Shaw Barton's mark is in the lower left-hand corner.

Two sizes are available, sold separately, both with excellent color and surface quality. Minor handling wear is consistent with proof use. No tears or discoloration affecting the artwork. Larger proof shows crease on top edge. Strong display--ready examples with calendar mount recommendations on back.

Hintermeister Fishing Art - Large Calendar Proof (13 ⅞ x 9 ⅜") Mount C-1202 | C1203 [$175.00]

Hintermeister Fishing Art - Small Calendar Proof (8 ⅞" x 6 ⅞") Mount C-1205 thru C1208 [$125.00]

Historical Note

Original Hintermeister calendar proofs were produced in very limited quantities for internal approval and survive far less frequently than printed calendar tops. Larger proofs, intended for premium wall calendars, command a higher value due to their display impact and scarcity. Both sizes offered here retain their original mount recommendations, confirming their use in the production process and placing them in the upper tier of surviving examples.

Framing Appeal

This piece brings instant warmth and personality to a cabin, lodge, den, or fishing‑themed space. The dynamic composition and cheerful storytelling make it ideal for framing — a perfect blend of mid‑century charm and classic American outdoor humor.

Artist Biography

Henry “Hy” Hintermeister was an American illustrator whose work helped define the visual language of mid‑century calendar art and Americana. Beginning his professional career astonishingly early — a copyright under his name appears as early as 1914, when he was just seventeen — he worked in close partnership with his father, John Henry Hintermeister. Together, the two artists produced more than a thousand paintings under the shared signature “Hy Hintermeister,” a practice that makes attribution between father and son both fascinating and challenging for collectors.

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