Additional Coverage:
- Rick Harrison spends a fortune on artwork in one of Pawn Stars’ most expensive deals ever made (marketrealist.com)
Pawn Stars’ Rick Harrison, known for his tough negotiating tactics, showed a different side recently, shelling out a quarter of a million dollars for a rare piece of art. The artwork in question? Original illustrations from Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are.
Harrison, visiting a local Las Vegas art gallery, was clearly excited. “We’re talking about ‘Where the Wild Things Are,’ the greatest children’s book ever,” he exclaimed, noting the rarity of such pieces appearing on the market.
The owner, Nick, explained the significance of the twelve illustrations. “It’s always really difficult selling any artwork that you are so connected with,” he admitted, “but I’ve had these for a while, I’ve enjoyed them, and now I think it’s kind of time to pass on the torch.”
Harrison, struck by nostalgia, reminisced about his childhood fascination with Sendak’s distinctive style. Nick highlighted the detailed cross-hatching, a hallmark of Sendak’s work, and emphasized the impressive scale of the pieces. He also shared the artwork’s provenance, tracing it back to a university professor in 1974.
With an asking price of $375,000, Harrison called in his art expert, Chad. Chad immediately recognized the cultural significance of Sendak and Where the Wild Things Are, calling the book “the cornerstone of everything.” He appraised the collection at $310,000, noting the particular value of two larger illustrations at $80,000 each.
Negotiations began with Harrison offering $200,000. Nick countered at $300,000. Ultimately, they met in the middle, agreeing on a final price of $250,000.
“I can’t believe I am doing this, but you got a deal,” Harrison conceded, shaking hands with Nick and finalizing one of the biggest purchases in Pawn Stars history.