Search for a specific print   Advanced Search Babar and the photographer [1980] £24.00 Babar the elephant: the creation of Jean de Brunhoff Jean de Brunhoff’s (1899-1937) work is one of the most unique and distinctive of the twentieth century. He was the creator of Babar the elephant and his kingdom of the elephants: bewitching both children and adults alike with the story of the kind, gentle and elegantly attired elephant. The story was originally told by his wife Cecile to their two sons, Mathieu and Laurent. They begged their father to illustrate it. ‘Historie de Babar, le petit elephant’ was then published by Jean’s brother, Michel de Brunhoff, in 1931. It was a huge success immediately and was translated into many languages. Six more stories were written and illustrated, and Jean was commissioned to decorate the children’s dining room of the Ocean liner, Normandie, with paintings of Babar. Sadly, Jean died of tuberculosis in 1937. In 1946 his son, Laurent, continued writing and illustrating the books to great acclaim. All reviewers agreed that de Brunhoff was one of the most successful children’s illustrators ever. John Piper wrote in the Spectator: “(he) had that power of careful observation that allowed him again and again to hit on ideas so simple and obvious that nobody has thought of them in that way before, although everybody wishes they had”. A.A.Milne, creator of Winnie the Pooh, wrote in his introduction to ‘The Travels of Babar’ : “If you love elephants, you will love Babar and Celeste. If you have never loved elephants, you will love them now. If you who are grown-up have never been fascinated by a picture book before, then this is the one which will fascinate you.” He ended by saying: “I salute M.de Brunhoff. I am at his feet”. Print details Date: 1937 Artist: Jean de Brunhoff Method: Lithograph Condition: Very good Image size: 13.5inches (34cm) high by 9.75 inches (25cm) wide Mounted size: 19.75 inches (50cm) high by 15.75 inches (40cm) wide Price: £24 Shipping UK 1st class £3 Next day delivery £6 USA Air mail £10 USA Fast air mail with tracking £12 The images on this web site are copyrighted and have visible and hidden digital watermarks. The antique prints do not have these watermarks. If interested in using the images please contact us.