Theodore Seuss Geisel (American, 1904-1991)

Smiling Creature Hanging by One Arm, Munching Flowers
Signed "Best wishes-/-Dr. Seuss" in ink l.l.
Charcoal on paper, sheet size 16 x 12 in. (40.5 x 30.7 cm), framed.
Condition: Overall toning with darkening along the edges of the sheet, rippling, several handling creases, small stains to u.l., small tears to the edges of the sheet stabilized with cellophane tape on the reverse, the subtle outline of an old piece of tape to the u.l. corner, hinged to the back mat at two places on the top edge of the reverse.

Provenance: From the artist to Dr. Margaret Koste, Professor, Ohio State University, c. 1963; by gift from Dr. Koste to the current owner.

N.B. Dr. Margaret Koste was a professor in early and middle childhood education specializing in children's literature at Ohio State University. In 1963, Dr. Koste wrote to a number of children's book illustrators/authors requesting a sample of their work that she could use with her Children's Literature graduate students. The first response she received was this drawing from Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

The drawing was recently reviewed by staff at the Springfield Museums who specialize in Dr. Seuss. They could not identify the specific character, leading them to suggest it was a custom creation made for Dr. Koste. Although Geisel did not include a note or any enclosure in the package, one hypothesis is that the creature may have been inspired by the 7-foot tall giant ground sloth, affectionately named Jeff, that has been a favorite attraction in the Orton Hall Geological Museum at Ohio State for many years. The winsome creature munching blossoms bespeaks the "flower power" ethos of the 1960s.

Framed dimensions are 23 1/4 x 19 1/4 x 1 inches.
Framed with UV-filtering glass.

The sometime removal of a small piece of tape from the u.r. corner of the reverse resulted in the paper being thinned in that area, causing a barely noticeable corresponding lighter area on the front at the u.l. when seen at certain angles.

Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.