Rare Eloise portrait fetches $100,000 after decades-long journey

The original portrait of Eloise, the mischievous young protagonist of Kay Thompson's beloved children's book series, sold at Bonhams auction house in 2018 for $100,000, culminating a remarkable odyssey that spanned more than half a century.

Created by illustrator Hilary Knight in 1956, the portrait disappeared during a Junior League Ball in 1960, launching an unintended hiatus from public view. The artwork was later discovered in a dumpster before eventually finding its way into Knight's personal collection, where it remained dormant in a closet for many years.

The painting's reemergence began in 2017 when it was featured at an exhibition held at the New-York Historical Society, exposing the lost artwork to audiences once again. The renewed attention surrounding the discovery set the stage for its subsequent sale at auction, demonstrating enduring collector interest in vintage children's book illustrations and memorabilia.

The sale price reflected the cultural significance of the Eloise character, which has maintained its appeal across generations since the series' debut in the 1950s. Knight's original illustrations remain iconic representations of the fictional character who famously resided in the Plaza Hotel in New York City.