Original artwork for a daily Peanuts comic strip, signed vertically in the last panel, “Schulz,” ink on off-white artist’s cardstock, 19.75 x 6, December 11, 1989. The three-panel strip features Snoopy as the World War I flying ace battling the Red Baron as Marcie approaches his doghouse/plane and recites a poignant quote from “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by English poet/scholar Thomas Gray (1716–1771): “The paths of glory lead but to the grave.” Snoopy’s disheartened response is a single word: “Rats!” Schulz maintained a particular fondness for this strip and chose it for reissue as a now-scarce signed print, produced in a limited edition of 500, aptly titled “Flying Ace.” In the reissued version, Gray’s timeless quote was delivered by Linus, better known than Marcie for dispensing such words of wisdom. Archivally double matted and framed to an overall size of 25.5 x 12. In very fine condition. An extraordinary treasure from this most legendary and coveted of comic artists! R&R COA. Oversized.
