Original artwork used in THE KING'S STILTS

n.p.: n.p., 1939. Fine.. Carbon pencil, India ink wash and white gouache painting on illustration board, signed by Seuss. This image illustrates the moment when Eric (the "Everyboy" of the story) reluctantly digs a hole and buries the King's beloved stilts on the orders of the solemn and self important Lord Droon. It appears about halfway through the book. The drawings for this book were reproduced by drop-out halftone and the edges of the light greys came out somewhat raggedy in the first edition. Sometime down the line, when the printers went to re-photograph the original art to improve upon this quality, they discovered that Seuss had given away the original - this very piece. Having lost contact with the recipient, Geisel drew another picture for later editions which differ slightly from this original. (Provenance available upon request.) Since very few published published pieces of Seuss's art from his children's books have ever been available for sale, this is indeed a rarity. 9.25'' x 14.25''. Single illustration board, signed by Seuss in lower left-hand corner. Matted and framed.