Books by his great inspiration William Blake are the top-valued items in an auction of the collection of children’s book illustrator Maurice Sendak.
A copy of Blake’s Songs of Innocence, printed by the author in 1789, is listed with an estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million.
It is one of the first five copies printed. Christie’s, who are handling the sale in New York, say: “Blake’s first major work of illuminated printing: the extraordinary, innovative synthesis of word and image.”
Blake was a printer and writer, who claimed he had visionary and mystical experiences. His work is still read today. Image courtesy of Christie’s.
A copy of Songs of Experience carries the same estimate.
It is one of four copies of Blake’s first issue of the first edition of the poetry and illustration collection and is being sold as it would have left Blake’s workshop in 1793.
Sendak described Blake as his most important influence, saying: “William Blake is unquestionably important, my cornerstone. Nobody ever told me before he did that childhood was such a damned serious business.”
Alongside his work in the 100-plus lot sale are pieces by Dürer, Rembrandt, Picasso, Hockney, George Stubbs, Henry Fuseli, Samuel Palmer, Beatrix Potter and Eric Carle.
Sendak’s own work is also represented.
Sendak’s original poster for his Philadelphia show is signed and numbered and expected to make as much as $80,000. Image courtesy of Christie’s.
An original design for a poster for Sendak in Philadelphia is expected to realise $60,000 to $80,000. It shows his most famous creations, monsters (Moishe and Bernard) from Where the Wild Things Are, and Max, the child who discovers them.
International head of prints & multiples at Christie’s, Richard Lloyd, said: “Many of us, if given the chance to ask any artist just one question, would choose: what inspired you? For those curious about Maurice Sendak, this sale provides a fascinating and surprising answer. Much of Sendak’s inspiration came from English pastoral artists working more than two centuries ago. His enchanting imaginative landscapes, which have captivated generations of readers, are deeply rooted in these beautiful yet rarely seen works.”
Maurice Sendak was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928. He wrote and illustrated Where the Wild Things Are in 1963. He wrote and illustrated his own stories, as well as illustrating works by other authors. He also worked in film, television and designed for operas.
Sendak died in 2012.
His work is highly collectible. He donated large amounts of his own collections to museum collections. This sale will help to support the work of his foundation.
The most valuable work by Sendak is an original drawing from Where the Wild Things Are that sold for $625,000 last month.
