LUDWIG BEMELMANS, (AMERICAN 1895-1962)
Gouache on Board
FRAMED TO 26″ X 22.5″
15.75″ X 11.75″ (SIGHT)
SIGNED LOWER RIGHT
A Stunning Original Gouache painting by Ludwig Bemelmans (see bio below), titled “PLAZA FOUNTAIN”. This adorable piece depicts a classic European fountain often found in cobblestone plazas with this one having 3 bird (or possibly large fish) heads each holding a tube from which water cascades. The plaza appears to be surrounded in trees and stucco buildings. Rain is pelting down most visible to the right where one sees a young girl in red carrying an umbrella. To the left is a woman walking dressed in black and carry a jug, with a second jug being filled at the foundatain. Signed by Ludwig Bemelmans lower right “Bemelmans”. A lovely original Bemelmans, with much detail. Presented newly matted, framed and glazed, in a gold leaf frame. Framed using 100% archival materials and UV plexi. The gold leaf frame showcases the art extremely well, giving it vibrance and creating an important presence on the wall.
PROVENANCE: The art was purchased from an Auction House who was commissioned to sell several original paintings by Ludwig Bemelmans. A copy of the invoice and lot description will be included with the artwork, and will provide both provenance and authenticity.
Condition: The board has a small neat 1″ thin crease line/intact tear which is visible to the very upper left corner of the art. Else near fine.
This piece is SIGNED by Ludwig Bemelmans lower right, “Bemelmans”. Original works of art by Bemelmans are extremely scarce with paintings/scenes from the characters of his books selling for over $50,000
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.
HI-RES IMAGES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Domestic Shipping via tracked UPS GROUND with signature tracking and full insurance.
Please note -International shipping due to size and weight will be $575 via UPS Express via separate invoice
