Chef Basting Chicken with Madeline Watching, 1956 - Ludwig Bemelmans

This large Bemelans features a small image of Madeline in the smoke behind the chef's face. It was most likely preliminary work for an illustration with Madeline and The Chef that appeared on page 28 of the book Madeline and the Bad Hat.
Signed lower right and inscribed " We ate them boiled, broiled, or frito, Oh what a horror was Pepito!",
Ink, watercolor, and gouache, inscribed at lower right, and signed "Bemelmans" above inscription, 27"h x 21.25"w (sight), 31"h x 25.5"w (frame)
Good, toning to paper a few light surface creases to the paper
Watercolor, Gouache and Pencil on Paper - 27 - 21 1/4 in
Ludwig Bemelmans Austrian, 1898 . 1962
US$25,000 Plus Shipping