Talk of the Town: Juliens Auctions’ August 12, 2025 The Larry King Collection

Award winning personality Larry King (American, b. Lawrence Harvey Zeiger, 1933-2021) was a popular presenter, author, and philanthropist. He hosted The Larry King Show, a syndicated radio talk show from 1978-1994 and CNN’s live, phone-in TV show Larry King Live From 1985-2010. A fearless interviewer and better listener, he once said, I never learned anything while I was talking. He was married eight times to seven different women. Juliens Auctions of Gardena, CA is presenting its 435 lot The Larry King Collection on August 12, 2025. Here are some remarkable offerings from that sale that caught the eye of the Auction Daily team.  

Mr. King had a great eye for fine art and sculptures, and this sale features a number of exceptional items from his collection. For example, lot #0382, a Portrait of a Lady as Venus Disarming Cupid, is estimated at $15,000-$20,000. It is the top lot in the sale. This unsigned, oil on canvas work is elaborately framed to 58 x 47″ and is noted as Ecole de Nattier on a brass name plate located on the bottom center of the painting. 

Although this painting is unsigned, its plate states Ecole de Nattier – which translates to School of Nattier. This connects the work to the style and influence of Rococo painter Jean-Marc Nattier (French, 1685-1766). He was known in part for his ability to capture high society women in attractive and authentic ways. His paintings often incorporated mythical elements – such as Cupid in this case – giving his works a playful and distinctive angle. Nattier really liked a grayish blue color and often used it in his paintings; today this hue is called Nattier blue. A version of this color appears on the dress of the lady in Portrait of a Lady as Venus Disarming Cupid.

Renderings and drawings featuring Mr. King as their subject are also well represented in this event. Lot #0081, a pen and ink illustration by caricaturist Al Hirschfeld (American, 1903-2003) of Mr. King wearing his signature suspenders, loud tie, and oversized eyeglasses, is estimated at $1,000-2,000. It is framed and matted, measures 31 x 27″ overall, and is signed Hirschfeld 3 on its lower right corner. 

It is no surprise that Mr. Hirschfeld sketched Mr. King in his unique style. Over the course of his life, the artist captured almost every major entertainment figure – including musicians and stage, screen and TV performers – of the 20th century. He used simple lines and angles, black ink, and a crow quill to produce his illustrations. The number 3 after his signature reflects the number of times he hid the name NINA in the drawing; Nina was his beloved daughter and incorporating her name into his drawings added a fun and innovative touch to his lifetime body of work. 

This auction includes a number of important books from Mr. King’s personal library. Lot #0004, singer and songwriter Paul McCartney’s (British, b. 1942) Blackbird Singing: Poems and Lyrics 1965-1999, is estimated at $800-1,000. This first edition book was printed in 2001, measures 10 x 7″, and is signed To Larry & Shawn / with love, / Paul McCartney / 2001 in black ink on the front free end page. This actual copy appeared on camera on June 12, 2001 when McCartney appeared on King’s TV program to talk about the book, the Beatles, life, and other matters. 

Blackbird Singing: Poems and Lyrics 1965-1999 was a commercial success; to date, it has been published by W. W. Norton & Company in 2001, Faber & Faber in 2001, and Diane Pub Co. in 2004. It received a positive and thoughtful review in the March 21, 2001 issue of the British Guardian newspaper. The book features a collection of McCartney’s writings from 1965 to 1999, and includes about 50 song lyrics and nearly 100 poems. Its title refers to McCartney’s 1968 song Blackbird, which was inspired by the Civil Rights and desegregation movements in the United States.

Awards given to Mr. King for numerous achievements over many decades are another key category in this star-studded sale. Lot #0065, Mr. King’s Peabody Award, is estimated at $600-800. This prize measures 13 x 9″ overall and includes two circular medallions and a rectangular plaque mounted to a rectangular wooden board with angled edges. It was presented to Mr. King in 1992 in honor of his 1992 election coverage – which included memorable interviews with candidates Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Ross Perot. 

The prestigious Peabody Award is given annually for outstanding journalism, storytelling, and public service contributions in the fields of television, radio, and the internet. It is awarded by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia. The award is named after banker and philanthropist George Foster Peabody (American, 1852-1938). This award has been conferred since 1940. It began as an award for excellence in radio but in 1948 began to include television as well. Notable Peabody winners include the television programs Frontline, Star Trek, The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, and 60 Minutes and individuals including Terry Gross, Judy Woodruff, Dan Rather, Lily Tomlin, Mel Brooks, Andrea Mitchell, and numerous others. 

Sporting goods, collectibles, ephemera, Judaica, and personal items from Mr. King’s estate round out this newsworthy sale. Lot #0001, two pairs of Mr. King’s suspenders, is estimated at $100-200. This duo includes a grey pair with its straps decorated with the Larry King Live TV show logo and black clips, and a red pair decorated with the words Larry King Special Report printed in yellow on the straps and button-on attachments. 

For more information on Juliens Auctions’ August 12, 2025 The Larry King Collection, please see https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/382786_the-larry-king-collection/. 

Captions, all images from Juliens Auctions:

• Lot #0382, a Portrait of a Lady as Venus Disarming Cupid, is estimated at $15,000-$20,000.  
• Lot #0081, an illustration by Al Hirschfeld of Mr. King wearing his signature suspenders, loud tie, and oversized eyeglasses, is estimated at $1,000-2,000.  
• Lot #0004, Blackbird Singing: Poems and Lyrics 1965-1999, is estimated at $800-1,000.  
• Lot #0065, Mr. King’s Peabody Award, is estimated at $600-800.    
• Lot #0001, two pairs of Mr. King’s suspenders, is estimated at $100-200.