THE FIRST SKETCH FOR THE BELOVED 1963 CHILDREN’S BOOK SETS A NEW AUCTION HIGH FOR THE ICONIC ILLUSTRATOR
By Intelligent Collector Staff
Maurice Sendak’s earliest known drawing for
The ink and watercolor work, titled Max Arriving at the Island of Wild Things, was the first drawing Sendak created for the 1963 classic and had remained unseen by the public for decades. The result nearly doubled the previous record for a work by Sendak, underscoring his enduring legacy and the growing market for original art tied to American storytelling.
The illustration headlined Heritage’s $5.1 million American Art Signature® Auction, a tightly curated session held in Dallas that featured just over 40 lots. Nearly 500 bidders participated, with spirited interest from private collectors and institutions alike.
“This piece represents a turning point in Sendak’s career and in the evolution of American children’s literature,” said Aviva Lehmann, Heritage’s Senior Vice President of American Art. “To have this original concept drawing — the visual beginning of Where the Wild Things Are — is extraordinary.”
Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are redefined the emotional and psychological depth of picture books, earning the Caldecott Medal and countless admirers. The sold illustration captures protagonist Max’s arrival at the island, moments before his encounter with the iconic “wild things” who would make him their king.
With this sale, Heritage continues to set the pace in the market for literary and cultural treasures. It also affirms what many consignors already know: when it comes to selling valuable artwork tied to American icons, Heritage is the best place to go.
The May 16 event also saw strong results for other narrative-rich works, including new artist records for Charles Wysocki, Peter Fillerup, and Jeff Segler, among others. In total, the day’s two back-to-back American Art auctions brought in more than $12 million, solidifying Heritage’s leadership in the category.
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