Any American child can tell you that the gold, embossed Caldecott Medal slapped on the face of a picture book implies merit and critical reverence. But these days, the man for whom the award was named is much more elusive than his medal. Randolph Caldecott was a prolific British artist in the late 19th century, broadcasting his work across the cultural spectrum through everything from travel guides and cartoons to architectural sketches and sculpture. He was famous in his day for his more formal work, exhibited at the esteemed Royal Academy of the Arts– but it was his picture books that would prove to be most influential in the long run. Mr. Sendak, take it away:
Subscribe to RSS