Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A masterwork of paper engineering by the world's most renowned pop-up artist, featuring intricate white-cardstock sculptures of American landmarks. This book transformed the 'toy book' genre into a sophisticated form of kinetic sculpture and architectural storytelling.
Story
Released in 2004, this book captured a post-9/11 spirit of national pride through delicate paper art. Sabuda used over 100 individual pieces to create the Golden Gate Bridge and Statue of Liberty in a single spread.
Maker / Origin
Robert Sabuda is often called the 'Prince of Paper,' a visionary who single-handedly revitalized the pop-up book industry in the 1990s and 2000s. His studio in New York is famous for pushing the physical limits of what paper can do, often using all-white designs to emphasize shadow and form.
Condition & Value
The cover shows visible surface scuffing and some grime/soiling on the Statue of Liberty graphic. If the internal pop-ups are fully functional without tears, it remains a solid reading copy, though the exterior wear reduces collector value by 40%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.