Bemelmans, Ludwig. (1898–1962)
"A Tale of Two Glimps" - Two Large Original Gouaches from his 1946 Book
A remarkable pair of original gouache paintings by the Belgian-born American author and illustrator best known for his now-classic series of Madeleine children’s books. The present works, original paintings for his picture book A Tale of Two Glimps, depict an unhappy rabbit-like "Glimp" living in a black-and-white world and watching a black-and-white television, and a happier Glimp living in a color world. Each 18 x 13 inches and framed in glossy red frames, in fine condition. Together with a copy of the book (New York: Columbia Broadcasting System, [1946]); hardcover, heavily toned, with front board largely detached, protected in a mylar cover; overall good.In A Tale of Two Glimps, Bemelmans playfully argues for the dramatic advantage of color television, using the characters of two "Glimps," one who lives in a black-and-white world and unhappily watches black-and-white television, and one who enjoys a much happier life with colorful surroundings and color television. The black-and-white Glimp's final frustration comes when he can't tell the difference between the green and orange jerseys of two opposing football teams; eventually he paints his house in bright colors and marries the colorful Glimp: "Now they have everything in color... even their television pictures... and that's why you see them smiling all the time." The book was published by CBS as a promotion in the early days of color television. (15303)
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