M. Sendak Signed "Really Rosie" Original Pencil Drawing Correcting Animator's Proof

An original pencil drawing by beloved children's book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak (1928-2012), depicting the character Rosie--the protagonist of Sendak's eponymous story--as she would appear in the upcoming 1975 animated television special "Really Rosie." Sendak's drawing in pencil on a sheet of tracing paper is signed "Maurice Sendak" at the lower left and also numbered 13. It is hinged at the top with two pieces of masking tape to a larger sheet of white artist's paper, being the professional animator's proof in graphite pencil and red and blue colored pencil, perforated along the bottom edge and also numbered 13. Expected light surface wear, else near fine. Sendak's drawing measures 10.5" x 8.5." The artist's paper proof measures 12.375" x 10.25." Provenance: Purchased directly from Maurice Sendak in the 1990s by reputable Sendak dealers.

Overlaying Sendak's drawing over the professional animator's proof reveals a number of minute but critical graphical corrections which Sendak made to this frame of Rosie, such as compacting her face, readjusting her clasped hands and feet, and lengthening her body. In addition to providing us with insights into Sendak's creative process, Sendak's drawing is highly desirable for another key reason: there are very few examples of Sendak's correcting the proofs of professional animators.

Rosie was first introduced to Sendak's young readers in "The Sign on Rosie's Door" (1960) and was based on a real neighborhood girl who Sendak knew growing up in Brooklyn. Rosie joined forces with characters Kathy, Johnny, Alligator, and Pierre/Chicken Soup (the latter three characters from Sendak's "The Nutshell Library" (1962), a collection comprised of "Pierre," "Alligators All Around," "Chicken Soup with Rice," and "One Was Johnny,") to star in a 30-minute animated television special which aired on CBS on February 19, 1975. The animated short was directed by Sendak, who also wrote the lyrics. Music and the voice of Rosie were provided by Carole King. The animation of the original illustrations was handled by Dan Hunn and Ronald Fritz of D & R Productions, Inc.

Of particular interest is seeing how Sendak, an author and illustrator, effortlessly transitioned into other media such as television and theatre. Sendak was later involved in live-action stage productions of "Really Rosie" in Washington, D.C. and London in 1978, and in an off-Broadway production at Westside Theatre which opened in mid-October 1980 and ran for over 270 performances.

For more information about Rosie and her evolution from page to screen to stage, please refer to the collection of essays celebrating the personal collection of Sendak authorities Justin G. Schiller and Dennis M.V. David entitled, "Maurice Sendak: A Celebration of the Artist" (New York: Abrams Books, 2013), p. 120-131.

Maurice Sendak was an award-winning children's book illustrator and author. Always interested in design, Sendak began his career by illustrating comic books and designing toy company shop windows. "Where The Wild Things Are" was followed by "In the Night Kitchen" (1970) and "Outside Over There" (1981). Sendak also created, wrote, and produced animated children's television programs.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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