Ludwig Bemelmans (27 April, 1898 – 1 October, 1962) was a painter, illustrator, and writer for both children and adults, he is mostly known for his Madeline children’s’ books.
- Born in Mera, Austria-Hungry (now Italy), the author was the son of a hotel owner.
- He spoke French and German since childhood.
- After Mr. Bemelmans shot and wounded a waiter in an Austrian hotel he was forced to emigrate to the United States (he was an apprentice and preferred the US over reform school).
- During World War II he joined the US Army, but was not sent to Europe because of his German origins. He did, however, became a Second Lieutenant.
- Barbara, the author’s daughter, inspired the character of
- The author won the Caldecott Medal for US picture book illustration in 1953 for the book Madeline’s Rescue.
- Aristotle Onassis hired Mr. Bemelmans to design and paint a scene at the children’s dining room on his yacht, the Christina O.
- A mural titled “Central Park” by Mr. Bemelmans decorates the Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel in NYC. This is his only work which is publicly displayed.
- John Bemelmans-Marciano, Mr. Bemelmans grandson, has taken over the Madeline series after the author’s death.
- Six Madeline books were published during the author’s lifetime. A seventh was discovered after his death.
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