Wiese, Kurt (American, birn Germany, 1887-1974). AT STEVE'S. Etching, not dated. Edition size not known. Titled and signed in pencil. 6 x 8 inces, plus margins. In excellent condition. Wiese was primarily a book illustrator, and is best known for his illustrations to Felix Salten's "Bambi," and for the "Freddy" series of children's books. He was twice awarded the Caldecott Medal and twice the Newberry prize. Discouraged by his family from pursuing an art career, he became a sales representative and lived for six years in China. During World War I he was captured by the Japanese, and turned over by them to the British who interned him in Australia. While in Australia he became fascinated by the wildlife there, which in turn renewed his interest in drawing. After his release he reurned to Germany only to find that economic conditions there were so unfavorable that he couldn't earn a living. He emigrated to Brazil, and from there to the United States. His career began in earnest with his work on Bambi in 1929.
