The New York Historical Society’s Madeline-inspired art exhibition opened up last weekend, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the first book’s publication.
The “Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans” show celebrates the artwork of Ludwig Bemelmans, the creator of the classic children’s book series. The show boasts more than 90 original art pieces including illustrations from the Madeline series, as well as Bemelmans’ drawings of the old Ritz Hotel in New York and panels from the Onassis yacht.
UnBeige has more about the show and how Bemelman got into publishing: “After a Viking editor suggested he create children’s books, Bemelmans obliged. As for the Madeline character, ‘She’s a little bit of me, my mother, my wife and [daughter], Barbara. She’s a concoction of people,’ Bemelmans once said. He created the French schoolgirl while at Pete’s Tavern in Gramercy Park, and it gave him great comfort. ‘For me, Madeline is therapy in the dark hours.'”
The show is up through October 19th.