“In an old house in Paris…” Ludwig Bemelmans’ Madeline has charmed readers for more than 80 years. Long before his murals adorned The Carlyle’s now-iconic Bemelmans Bar, the author and illustrator sketched out early versions of his beloved heroine. The original mock-up of Madeline—filled with watercolor and ink drawings, revisions, and a distinctly Parisian spirit—was offered during Book Week back in 2023 at #SothebysNewYork, where it achieved $190,500, more than twice its low estimate. #SothebysArchives