CHRISTMAS PRINT INSCRIBED BY MAURICE SENDAK TO A CLOSE FRIEND, FEATURING TWO WILD THINGS

SENDAK, Maurice. Print inscribed. No place, 1981. Color print measuring 15 by 21 inches; handsomely matted and framed, entire piece measures 20 by 26 inches. $3500.

Color print with a Christmas theme with two Wild Things prominently featured, inscribed, "For Elizabeth—For Christmas!—Maurice Jan '82."

This charming print has as its most central vignette a hot air balloon with an image of Santa Claus on the balloon, decorated with holly, garland and Christmas ornaments, with two Wild Things in the basket, one playing a horn and the other a violin, as they join in with a harpist and saxophonist close below on the ground. Not in Hanrahan. The former owner of this inscribed print was Maurice Sendak's neighbor, Andrew, from Ridgefield, Connecticut. Sendak bought a home and studio in Ridgefield in 1972 with his longtime partner, Eugene Glynn, and lived there until his death. Andrew first encountered Sendak in 1975 during one of his daily dog walks. (Sendak owned many dogs throughout his life, and they often starred in his books.) Andrew was immediately taken with Sendak, who reminded him of his recently deceased father. One day, Andrew called Sendak at home and asked if he could join him on his walks. Andrew and Sendak thus embarked on a 37-year friendship that also included the Andrew's mother, Betty, as well as Andrew's brother. Sendak went on long walks and hikes with Andrew and his family regularly, discussing general life events, opera, and books. He also invited them into his studio to show off works in progress. Andrew's mother, Betty, was an avid reader and collector and she and Sendak would talk late into the night about books. Sendak offered Betty advice about how to find and authenticate rare children's books, which she used to build her collection. Additionally, he frequently bartered for autographs (i.e. a cake for an inscribed drawing featuring the cake). Sendak often referred to Betty as "Elizabeth" in inscriptions as he felt that "Betty" was too common a name. The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections.

Fine condition.