Lot 1259: PETERSHAM, MISKA. 1888-1960.- "The Crucifixion,"

"The Crucifixion," pen and ink, 210 x 145 mm, double signed in Hungarian and English "PETRESZELYEM M. PETERSHAM" lower left. Matted and framed. Illustration for an unknown publication. Hungarian-born Miska Petersham and his American wife Maud Fuller Petersham were perhaps the most popular children's book illustrating couple of the first half of the twentieth century. They met across the table of the International Art Service studios in New York where they were both employed. After they married in 1917, they formed a highly successful illustration team that led to the Caldecott Medal in 1946. "The Crucifixion" was apparently drawn before the two wed for it has both his names in Hungarian and the Anglicized version after he passed through Ellis Island in 1912. The strong influence of the Vienna Secession and Hungarian folk art is evident in this early work.