Alice and Martin Provensen painting for First Noel and additional study on back

The Provensens are some of my favorite artists. I have studied their careers in animation and children's books for many years. I was very lucky to get the opportunity to purchase a few prelims for some of their books. Art by the duo is very rare, especially signed like this.

The front side of this is a study for their golden book, "The First Noel," which was released in 1959. As you can see in the additional pics, it is signed with a date of Christmas 1958. The colors are more vibrant on the painting than in my scan.

On the back side of the art board is an interesting piece. It is a study for a Madonna and child painting. I've no idea what it was in preparation for since there is nothing like this in the First Noel, although it could have been an idea for the book that was later thrown out. I will admit, the tiny teeth on the baby creeps me out a bit. =)

I've tried to include several additional pics. Hope you enjoy them.