MAURICE SENDAK. Two illustrations for "Nikolenka's Childhood." Together, 2 charming images of the young titular character in the book by Leo Tolstoy, published by Pantheon Books in 1963, not used for the final publication. Pen, ink, and wash on onion skin paper. 76x108 mm; 3x4 1/4 inches, sight. Signed in pencil, lower right. One image (table scene) with Nikolenka onlaid in collage. Both tipped to board with surrounding matte attached.
ex-collection irene haas, gifted to her by sendak. The beloved children's book author and illustrator Haas was a close and early friend of Sendak. They remained lifelong friends, with Sendak sending illustrated letters to her and her young son from whom he derived inspiration for the spirit of many of his boy characters.
