
Description
Image Dimensions: 10 1/8 x 8 1/8 in (25.7 x 20.6 cm)
Framed Dimensions: 16 1/2 x 14 5/8 in (42 x 37 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided with the item. Based on the accompanying documentation, the signature was reviewed in relation to factors such as ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. The available materials relate to the signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece and are offered for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
Ludwig Bemelmans, best known as the creator of the Madeline series, holds a distinctive place in 20th-century illustration. His work combines European elegance with playful character design, often infused with humor and expressive linework.
This drawing features a stylized human figure rendered in Bemelmans' characteristic loose and animated manner. The figure's exaggerated posture and elongated limbs create a sense of movement and personality, suggesting a theatrical or whimsical presence. The facial expression, though simply drawn, conveys subtle emotion, reinforcing the artist's ability to communicate character through minimal detail.
The composition is executed primarily in pen, with selective use of yellow wash or highlight behind the figure. This touch of color adds visual warmth and depth without overwhelming the simplicity of the line drawing. Such restrained color usage is consistent with Bemelmans' illustrative approach, where tone and gesture take precedence over heavy detailing.
The signature appears to the right of the figure, clearly legible and integrated into the visual balance of the work. Its placement complements the composition while affirming the piece as a signed example associated with the artist.
As a signed drawing, the work reflects Bemelmans' spontaneous and narrative-driven style. Pieces featuring single-character studies are particularly appreciated for their immediacy and charm, capturing the essence of his storytelling ability in a distilled form.
From a market standpoint, Ludwig Bemelmans signed works maintain steady interest, especially those that combine recognizable stylistic elements with light color accents.
Visually, the artwork benefits from its open composition. The central figure is emphasized by surrounding space, while the subtle yellow tone introduces contrast and liveliness within an otherwise restrained palette.
Framed Dimensions: 16 1/2 x 14 5/8 in (42 x 37 cm)
Provenance and Authentication:
This lot is accompanied by supporting documentation provided with the item. Based on the accompanying documentation, the signature was reviewed in relation to factors such as ink characteristics, material aging, stylistic consistency, and historical context. The available materials relate to the signature, provenance, and authentication history of the piece and are offered for bidder review in accordance with the auction terms and conditions.
Ludwig Bemelmans, best known as the creator of the Madeline series, holds a distinctive place in 20th-century illustration. His work combines European elegance with playful character design, often infused with humor and expressive linework.
This drawing features a stylized human figure rendered in Bemelmans' characteristic loose and animated manner. The figure's exaggerated posture and elongated limbs create a sense of movement and personality, suggesting a theatrical or whimsical presence. The facial expression, though simply drawn, conveys subtle emotion, reinforcing the artist's ability to communicate character through minimal detail.
The composition is executed primarily in pen, with selective use of yellow wash or highlight behind the figure. This touch of color adds visual warmth and depth without overwhelming the simplicity of the line drawing. Such restrained color usage is consistent with Bemelmans' illustrative approach, where tone and gesture take precedence over heavy detailing.
The signature appears to the right of the figure, clearly legible and integrated into the visual balance of the work. Its placement complements the composition while affirming the piece as a signed example associated with the artist.
As a signed drawing, the work reflects Bemelmans' spontaneous and narrative-driven style. Pieces featuring single-character studies are particularly appreciated for their immediacy and charm, capturing the essence of his storytelling ability in a distilled form.
From a market standpoint, Ludwig Bemelmans signed works maintain steady interest, especially those that combine recognizable stylistic elements with light color accents.
Visually, the artwork benefits from its open composition. The central figure is emphasized by surrounding space, while the subtle yellow tone introduces contrast and liveliness within an otherwise restrained palette.
Condition
ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to," "after," "manner of," "circle of," "school of," "in the artist's style," or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonne, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer's post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions' discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "As Is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com .
Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.
The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect color, tone, dimensions, condition, signature details, or the true state of the lot. Buyers should review all images carefully, as they form part of the description.
Provenance is provided by the consignor, prior owner, or most recent owner and may not be supported by records. All reports, COAs, appraisals, authentication letters, provenance statements, invoices, labels, or related documents, including any opinions, analyses, or conclusions therein, are provided as received from the consignor, prior owner, or third party, and have not been independently verified by Yakon Auctions. Such materials are for reference only and are not guarantees of authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, provenance, condition, or value.
All artworks, antiques, collectibles, autographed items, signed memorabilia, music memorabilia, records, photographs, posters, entertainment collectibles, and related items are offered based on information and documentation provided with the lot. Unless expressly stated, Yakon Auctions has not independently authenticated any signature, inscription, attribution, authorship, association, provenance, pressing detail, edition, period, origin, or related documentation.
Terms such as "attributed to," "after," "manner of," "circle of," "school of," "in the artist's style," or similar language mean the lot is not guaranteed to be by the named artist, maker, signer, studio, or period. Exact authorship, origin, attribution, or date may be unknown, and the lot may not be included in any official catalogue raisonne, archive, registry, or recognized reference source.
Yakon Auctions makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees regarding authenticity, authorship, signature, origin, age, period, condition, provenance, attribution, description, value, or marketability. Buyers are responsible for due diligence and should seek independent expert advice before bidding.
No return, refund, cancellation, or bid retraction will be accepted based on disputes regarding authenticity, attribution, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, description, estimated value, market value, or buyer's post-sale opinion.
Original invoices, reports, certificates, or documents shown in listings will be included only if all items listed on that document are purchased. If only part relates to the purchased lot, a digital copy may be provided upon request at Yakon Auctions' discretion.
Please bid responsibly. If you do not agree with auction sale principles, the "As Is" nature of the property, or the binding nature of bidding, please do not bid.
For inquiries, please contact Support@yakonauctions.com .
Buyer's Premium
33%
LUDWIG BEMELMANS SIGNED DRAWING
Estimate $7,000-$10,000
Starting Price
$500
Good Bid
Strong Bid
Competitive Bid
6 bidders are watching this item
Get approved to bid.
LiveAuctioneers Purchase Protection
Vetted auction houses
Secure, online bidding
Returns guaranteed for misrepresented listings
Dedicated support when you need it
May Premier Antique & Collectibles
May 18, 2026 9:00 AM EDTGermantown, MD, United States
TOP























