Super Rare ‘Jungle Book’ Illustrations Resurface in London Family Home
Artnet News
by Min ChenFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Two rare original watercolor illustrations from a 1903 edition of Rudyard Kipling’s *The Jungle Book*, created by the Detmold brothers, have resurfaced in a London family home. These illustrations were part of a limited-edition portfolio commissioned by publisher Macmillan & Co., with only six of the original 16 works known to survive. The rediscovered pieces, depicting scenes featuring Mowgli and Bagheera as well as monkeys overlooking ruins, are set to be auctioned at Roseberys in London on March 10, with estimates reaching up to £20,000 each ($26,990).
The Detmold brothers, Edward Julius Detmold and Charles Maurice Detmold, were prodigious talents who first gained recognition at the Royal Academy of Arts at age 13. They were tasked with creating illustrations for Kipling’s *Jungle Book* in 1897, a project that earned them widespread acclaim but was their last collaboration due to Maurice’s untimely death in 1908. Edward went on to establish himself as a renowned book illustrator, known for his naturalistic depictions of the world.
The discovery of these illustrations is significant not only for their artistic value but also for
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Originally published on Artnet News on 2/20/2026