"M. Erath"

That's the tiny signature near the bottom right-hand corner, in the Winter quadrant of this 50's era record jacket.

Not a very common name, and one I had never heard of in the context of children's book illustrators. Google image search turned up three pieces by a Margaret Erath, who won Best in Show from the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild in 2000, 2002, and 2003. I tried contacting the guild but have so far recieved no reply.

Another quick search of the Arizona White Pages turned up a Margaret Erath, age 76, living in Tuscon, Arizona - but the number was unlisted. Could this be the same M. Erath who painted this lovely interpretation of the four seasons nearly half a century ago? And is there more work by M. Erath out there waiting to be discovered?

Only time will tell.

For those interested in childrens record jacket art, this great site has many scans!