Ludwig Bemelmans 1898-1962

Acquired as a gift directly from the artist
Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald, New York ("the Fitzgeralds")

Ludwig Bemelmans, Madeline and the Bad Hat, New York, 1956, pp. 14 and 15, illustrated 

in generally good condition; surface is slightly toned (with edges lighter than rest of board)--colors are slightly faded, but overall effect is vivid and crisp; a few scattered specks of light foxing
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present work is reproduced across two pages of Bemelmans' 1956 book, "Madeline and the Bad Hat".  The image shows Pepito, or the "Bad Hat" as Madeline has named him (for obvious reasons!), flying his kite on the roof of The Spanish Embassy next door to where Madeline and her friends live in Paris. He is the Ambassador's mischievous son and his naughty shenanigans and interactions with Madeline form the delightful story of the book.  The title of the work is the caption.

Popular radio hosts, Ed and Pegeen Fitzgerald, were close friends of Bemelmans for many years.  Their much-beloved radio show, "the Fitzgeralds", aired on station WOR from 1931-1975 and made them the highest paid radio talk show team in the business at the time with an audience numbered in the millions.  "Bemmy", as they referred to the artist, was an occasional guest.  The artist presented them with this work in the late 1950s.