Tasha Tudor Original Vintage Antique America Illustration Watercolor Rockefeller Christmas "Golden - Crowned Kinglet" With Holly Watercolor Painting
Original vintage antique watercolor painting titled "Golden-Crowned Kinglet", by American children's book illustrator, Tasha Tudor, (1915-2008). The painting is of a small kinglet on a bough of holly and reflects Tudor's work that was later reproduced in print for Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Collection. The painting is approximately 4.5" X 6.5, plus frame, (in frame, the measurements are approximately 9" X 11"), and is signed by the artist in the lower left corner, in graphite. This watercolor is one of her earlier works, as it is signed with an abbreviation of her married name, "McCready"; (when she was married to Thomas McCready). The painting remains behind glass in the original vintage antique frame, with the title handwritten by the artist, on the original gallery wrapping, verso. It is estimated to have been created in approximately 1940.
Example:
This example is the last image included in this listing, for comparison/reference.
Tasha Tudor (August 28, 1915 – June 18, 2008) graced the realm of children's literature as an American illustrator and writer, leaving an enduring legacy through her captivating works. Born Starling Burgess in Boston, Massachusetts, to naval architect W. Starling Burgess and portrait painter Rosamund Tudor, her journey unfolded in a unique blend of tradition and bohemian creativity.
Originally named "Starling" after her father, she became Natasha, later affectionately shortened to Tasha, inspired by her father's admiration for the character Natasha in War and Peace. After her parents' divorce, Tasha embraced a more unconventional upbringing in Redding, Connecticut, under the care of family friends, where creativity flourished.
Driven by a deep-rooted desire for an agrarian lifestyle, Tasha worked towards her dream from a young age. In her teen years, she even earned pocket money to purchase her own dairy cow, Delilah. Tasha's unconventional upbringing and her pursuit of a simpler life greatly influenced her artistic vision.
Married to Thomas McCready in 1938, Tasha and Thomas bought a large farm in Webster, New Hampshire, where they raised their four children. Tasha's artistic journey began with the publication of her first story, "Pumpkin Moonshine," in 1938, a gift for her husband's young niece. Despite divorcing in 1961, her children adopted the Tudor surname, solidifying their connection to her creative legacy.
Tasha Tudor's artistic prowess extended beyond writing, with her illustrating nearly one hundred books, including collaborative works with Mary Mason Campbell and a 1957 film, "The Golden Key," with Nell Dorr. Her last illustrated book, "Corgiville Christmas" (2003), stands as a testament to her enduring creativity.
Receiving numerous accolades, including Caldecott Honors and the Regina Medal, Tasha's books are cherished for their simple text, realistic drawings, and intricate borders featuring flowers, birds, and charming objects. Her works often evoke 19th-century traditions and memories, resonating with a growing audience since the 1940s.
Notably, "Corgiville Fair" (1971), featuring anthropomorphic corgis, became one of her most famous books. Tasha's impact extended beyond literature, as she created thousands of original works found on various items like Christmas cards, Advent calendars, and Valentines.
In her later years, Tasha toured the country, delivering speeches and showcasing her art. Her last major appearances were in a retrospective exhibition at Colonial Williamsburg in 1996/97. Despite family disputes over her estate, valued at over $2 million, Tasha's legacy endures. Her daughters, Bethany Tudor and Efner Holmes, followed in her footsteps as accomplished authors and illustrators.
Tasha Tudor's death on June 18, 2008, marked the end of an era, but her impact lives on through her timeless works, such as "Corgiville Christmas" and "Corgiville Fair," and the continuation of her artistic legacy by her family. The largest collection of her materials resides in the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi, a testament to the lasting influence of this beloved artist and storyteller.
Contact Us:
pacificfineart@gmail.com
424-259-3290