Books and Manuscripts

No place (but likely New York City), ca. 1908. Original pen, ink, and watercolor illustration on board by Harrison Cady, signed bottom left. Titled "Under the Tree" on verso in an unknown hand. Published in Frances Hodgson Burnett's book The Spring Cleaning (New York: The Century Co, 1908). 13 1/2 x 9 3/4 in. (343 x 248 mm). A few smudges to extremities of board, not affecting image, mat burn around border of image, board lightly toned; In mat and in frame, 22 1/2 x 18 1/2 in. (572 x 470 mm).

Cady later recalled meeting Burnett in his autobiography, O Rare Harrison Cady (Sandy Bay Historical Society and Museums, 2005), "One day a friend invited me to the St. Nicholas office and asked whether I'd like to illustrate four books by Frances Hodgson Burnett" including "The Spring Cleaning...Her summons was a commission hardly to be refused, and I accepted on the spot...She was a short, plump lady of great animation...she acted out the characters...she ran around the large room, flapping her arms in the best rookish manner. When she finished we applauded, and she was pleased. Later she gave me instructions on the illustrations I was to do. A memorable afternoon..." (p. 57)