LUDWIG BEMELMANS, (AMERICAN 1895-1962)
FRAMED TO 26.5″ X 20.5″
Ink and Watercolor on paper, 14″ X 12.5″ (SIGHT)
Original detailed Illustration by Bemelmans depicting a nutty chase scene with a clown on a horse, dogs running to the front, men dressed in elegant hunting gear on horse’s galloping behind, and a large castle in the background. The art is captioned “HE DOESN’T SEEM AROUND / HE MUST HAVE GONE TO GROUND”, and is signed by Bemelmans “Bemelmans” just above the caption. Ex: Hammer Galleries with their stamp on the verso
A Stunning Original Watercolor and ink painting on paper by Ludwig Bemelmans (see bio below). A vibrant very large concept piece for what appears to have been an unused drawing for the book “Madeline and The Gypsies”. The stunning painting rendered in bright colors, shows an entire nutty chase scene with a clown on a horse, dogs running to the front, men on horse’s galloping behind, and a large castle in the background, appearing to the be the rooftop of the Castle Fountainblue. The art is captioned “HE DOESN’T SEEM AROUND / HE MUST HAVE GONE TO GROUND”, and is signed by Bemelmans “Bemelmans” just above the caption. Ex: Hammer Galleries with their stamp on the verso.
Fine condition in strong vibrant colors. 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 large presence on the wall, presented newly matted, framed and glazed in a stunning gilt rubbed frame using all archival materials and UV glass.
This piece is SIGNED by Ludwig Bemelmans lower right. Original works of art by Bemelmans are extremely scarce with paintings/scenes from the characters of his books selling for over $32,000
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.
