LUDWIG BEMELMANS, (AMERICAN 1898-1962)
WATERCOLOR ON PAPER, 8.5″ X 5.5″ (Sight)
FRAMED TO DIMENSIONS OF 17.5″ X 14″
SIGNED LOWER MIDDLE
An adorable Original Watercolor painting on paper by Ludwig Bemelmans of the poodle from his story “Father Dear Father” (see Bemelmans bio below). A vibrant classic piece in fine condition of “Little Bit” sitting upright on her haunches, with large bows in her ears. (In the book Little Bit is described as having shoebutton eyes, a patent leather nose, and a strawberry colored collar..) Ludwig Bemelmans always considered himself an artist first, and an author second. This piece is richly toned in inks with watercolor wash in the classic Bemelmans style. Has an important, wonderful presence on the wall, presented in a silver rubbed wood frame. The piece is matted in a deep beveled mat, framed and glazed using 100% archival materials.
PROVENANCE:
The artwork is a unique original piece from a tipped-in page from the scarce signed limited edition book, “Father, Dear Father”, consisting of 151 signed copies. The limited edition was an early Bemelman’s title in which he created a unique watercolor for each book. Each individual piece was rendered on a separate page and then later ‘tipped in’ to the book. The page was then gently removed from the book and framed (the process could easily be reversed if desired). The book is in near fine condition. The framed art will be accompanied by the book for provenance. Originally published in 1953, “Father, Dear Father” is based on a trip Bemelmans took with his 13 year old daughter, Barbara and her digest-size poodle.
This piece is SIGNED by Ludwig Bemelmans lower middle. Original works of art by Bemelmans are extremely scarce with paintings/scenes from the characters of his books selling for over $22,000
Condition: The art is in excellent condition
BIOGRAPHY:
Bemelmans, Ludwig: Beloved by three generations of young readers, Ludwig Bemelmans is best known for his Madeline books. What many may not know is that Bemelmans, born in the Austrian Tyrol, considered himself more an artist than an author. Bemelmans began writing in 1934 with the introduction of Hansi, his first of 15 children’s books. His diverse language base gave him a unique and quirky style of writing that children adored. His watercolor illustrations belied a simplistic style that partnered well with his sophisticated verse. Until his death in 1962, he wrote an average of one to two books per year. In addition to his juvenile fiction, his literary works included screenplays, adult novels, and stories. Bemelmans was a contributor to Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and the New Yorker, among others. His book Madeline’s Rescue was awarded the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1953. As an artist, Ludwig Bemelmans designed a Broadway set, completed several Hollywood projects, illustrated for the cover of the New Yorker, and painted several murals. His art can be found at New York’s Carlyle Hotel, the Museé National d’Art in Paris, France, and in the Metropolitan Museum in New York. His character Madeline, the spunky heroine of Bemelmans’ classic five book series, celebrates her 75th anniversary this year.
HI-RES IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Shipping via tracked mail and full insurance.
