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Maurice Sendak Art

American, 1928-2012

Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup with Rice (1962), Where the Wild Things Are (1963), and In the Night Kitchen (1970). 

Born in Brooklyn in 1928 to Jewish immigrant parents from northern Poland, Sendak was a largely self-taught artist. His characters, stories, and inspirations were drawn from among his own neighbors, family, pop culture, historical sources, literary influences, and long-held childhood memories. Along with William Steig, Ludwig Bemelmans and Laurent de Brunhoff he is one of the most popular authors of children’s books in the world.

Sendak worked with such well-known children’s authors as Ruth Krauss, Else Minarik, and Arthur Yorinks, and illustrated books by Leo Tolstoy, Herman Melville, Isaac Bashevis Singer, the Brothers Grimm, and the poet Randall Jarrell. He began a second career as a costume and stage designer in the late 1970s, designing operas by Mozart, Prokofiev, Ravel, and Tchaikovsky, among others. 

Sendak won numerous awards, including a Caldecott Award, the international Hans Christian Andersen Award, a National Book Award, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and a National Medal of Arts. His books continue to be read by millions of children and adults and have been translated into dozens of languages and enjoyed all over the world.

Find original Maurice Sendak prints, paintings and other art for sale on 1stDibs.

(Biography provided by Lions Gallery)

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Artist: Maurice Sendak
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original vintage acetate drawing/painting from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. I cannot say definitively that it is by Maurice Sendak's hand. He definitely worked on this project and the provenance is impeccable. They are quite rare and unusual. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Watercolor

Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

$1,100
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original pencil drawing from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Paper, Carbon Pencil

Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

$1,100
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original pencil drawing from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Paper, Carbon Pencil

Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

$1,100
Mother Goose, Children's Art Screenprint by Maurice Sendak
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Long Island City, NY
A traditional children's illustration-style print of Mother Goose, sitting on a stack of books and writing down stories on a scroll. She is elaborately dr...
Category

1990s Folk Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Screen

Mother Goose, Children's Art Screenprint by Maurice Sendak

Maurice Sendak
Mother Goose, Children's Art Screenprint by Maurice Sendak, 1990

$600 Sale Price
50% Off
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"Copula Amarilla" - Figurative Abstract Woodcut 3/10
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Previously Available Items
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original pencil drawing from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil, Paper

Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 10.24 in W 12.5 in
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original pencil drawing from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil, Paper

Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 10.24 in W 12.5 in
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original pencil drawing from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Carbon Pencil, Paper

Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Pencil Drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 12.24 in W 12.5 in
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Send...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 10.5 in W 12.5 in
Original Sendak Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Send...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Original Sendak Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Sendak Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Sendak Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 10.5 in W 12.5 in
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original vintage acetate drawing/painting from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. I cannot say definitively that it is by Maurice Sendak's hand. He definitely worked on this project and the provenance is impeccable. They are quite rare and unusual. Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
Original Animation Cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 10.5 in W 12.5 in
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original vintage acetate drawing/painting from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. (please see the photos of the original manila envelopes) Maurice Bernard Sendak, June 10, 1928-2012 Dubbed by one critic “the Picasso of children’s literature” and once addressed by former President Bill Clinton as “the King of Dreams,” Maurice Sendak illustrated nearly a hundred picture books throughout a career that spanned more than 60 years. Some of his best known books include Chicken Soup...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Send...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

original pencil drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Sendak's original book) - this cel is from the PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" sequence. this is the original pencil drawing from the 1970s. it is from the estate of the film producer Dan Hunn. (please see the photos of the original manila envelopes) Maurice...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Paper, Carbon Pencil

original pencil drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
original pencil drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
original pencil drawing from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 10.24 in W 12.5 in
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
By Maurice Sendak
Located in Surfside, FL
An original animation cel drawing from the CBS-TV broadcast of Sendak's "REALLY ROSIE" - (this was the first time "Rosie" appeared anywhere other than Send...
Category

1970s Pop Art Maurice Sendak Art

Materials

Acrylic Polymer, Mylar

original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

Maurice Sendak
original animation cel from PIERRE, "I DONT CARE" (CBS 1970s)

H 9.73 in W 12.5 in

Maurice Sendak art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Maurice Sendak art available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Maurice Sendak in carbon pencil, paper, pencil and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Pop Art style. Not every interior allows for large Maurice Sendak art, so small editions measuring 13 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Sacha Chimkevitch, Derek Boshier, and Jules Engel. Maurice Sendak art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,100 and tops out at $1,200, while the average work can sell for $1,100.

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Questions About Maurice Sendak Art
  • What was Maurice Sendak known for?
    1 Answer
    1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Maurice Sendak, an American illustrator and author, is best known for his universally beloved children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. First published in 1963, the book was lushly illustrated with Sendak’s expressive, one-of-kind monsters. Shop a selection of original Maurice Sendak artwork from some of the world's top dealers on 1stDibs.

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