Ludwig Bemelmans (American, 1898–1962) Madeline's Rescue  (And Dragged Her Safe From a Watery Grave)

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American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists

By Freeman's

Dec 5, 2021

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• Lot Description
  Ludwig Bemelmans (American, 1898–1962) Madeline's Rescue  (And Dragged Her Safe From a Watery Grave)

  Mixed media on paperboard laid down to board.
  Sheet size: 22 3/4 x 16 5/8 in. (57.8 x 42.2cm)
  Executed circa 1953.

  
  
  

  Provenance

  The Artist.
  A gift from the above.
  Private Collection, New Jersey.
  By descent in the family.
  Private Collection, Florida.

  
  
  Footnote:

  Literature

  Ludwig Bemelman, Madeline's Rescue, Viking Press, New York, 1953 (illustrated).

  Note

  The present work is the title illustration for Ludwig Bemelmans' Madeline's Recue. It took the author several years to publish Madeline's next adventure following its 1939 inaugural success. Madeline's Rescue was the result of it, and won the 1954 Caldecott Medal upon its release. The book is centered on Madeline and her companions strolling in Paris under the supervision of Sister Clavel. The present scene follows poor Madeline's fall into the river Seine. After nearly drowning, the little girl is being rescued by a courageous dog, Genevieve, who ends up being adopted by the group, and soon becomes Madeline's cherished pet.

  In the original book, the illustration is accompanied by the following caption: "Poor Madeline would now be dead but for a dog that kept its head and dragged her safe from a watery grave. So home they took the dog so brave."

  
  
  Condition report:

  Frame: 29 x 22 1/2 x 1 1/2 in.

  In overall good condition. The sheet is laid down to the artist's board at all four corners. While the board was originally taped down to the verso of the mat at all corners so one could not inspect the edges of the work, Freeman's specialists have decided to carefully cut down the tape on three of the outer edges, to be able to inspect the sheet fully. The sheet is gently toned (please note: the yellowish coloration visible in the sky behind Notre Dame, onto the sides and in the bottom margin, all parts hidden by the mat/frame, are due to the artist's pigments, not to soiling or toning). With pencil-drawn margins, mostly visible at top and bottom (not on the sides). With surface soiling in the margins (all covered by the mat). Inscribed with various dimensions at bottom right (also covered by the mat). The paint has been nicely preserved, with some texture on the leaves, the bridge and the cobblestones at bottom. With associated contraction (craquelure), mostly visible in the yellow parts (see the radiant sun and the yellow lines above and near Notre Dame). However it seems stabilized and we do not notice any flaking. The mat itself is slightly toned, and our advise would be to reframe the work. The verso of the board presents well, with some remnants of old board paper either stuck to the surface, or torn from the board itself. It does not affect the integrity of the work at all.

• Shipping Info

  • No lot may be removed from Freeman’s premises until the buyer has paid in full the purchase price therefor including Buyer’s Premium or has satisfied such terms that Freeman’s, in its sole discretion, shall require. Subject to the foregoing, all Property shall be paid for and removed by the buyer at his/ her expense within ten (10) days of sale and, if not so removed, may be sold by Freeman’s, or sent by Freeman’s to a third-party storage facility, at the sole risk and charge of the buyer(s), and Freeman’s may prohibit the buyer from participating, directly or indirectly, as a bidder or buyer in any future sale or sales. In addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s by law, Freeman’s reserves the right to impose a late charge of 1.5% per month of the total purchase price on any balance remaining ten (10) days after the day of sale. If Property is not removed by the buyer within ten (10) days, a handling charge of 2% of the total purchase price per month from the tenth day after the sale until removal by the buyer shall be payable to Freeman’s by the buyer. Freeman’s will not be responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or otherwise responsible for any goods left in Freeman’s possession after ten (10) days. If the foregoing conditions or any applicable provisions of law are not complied with, in addition to other remedies available to Freeman’s and the Consignor (including without limitation the right to hold the buyer(s) liable for the bid price) Freeman’s, at its option, may either cancel the sale, retaining as liquidated damages all payments made by the buyer(s), or resell the property. In such event, the buyer(s) shall remain liable for any deficiency in the original purchase price and will also be responsible for all costs, including warehousing, the expense of the ultimate sale, and Freeman’s commission at its regular rates together with all related and incidental charges, including legal fees. Payment is a precondition to removal. Payment shall be by cash, certified check or similar bank draft, or any other method approved by Freeman’s. Checks will not be deemed to constitute payment until cleared. Any exceptions must be made upon Freeman’s written approval of credit prior to sale. In addition, a defaulting buyer will be deemed to have granted and assigned to Freeman’s, a continuing security interest of first priority in any property or money of, or owing to such buyer in Freeman’ possession, and Freeman’s may retain and apply such property or money as collateral security for the obligations due to Freeman’s. Freeman’s shall have all of the rights accorded a secured party under the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code.

• Buyer's Premium

  • Hammer Price	Premium (%)
    $0	29.00
    $600,000	23.00
    $3,000,000	15.00