275

Kay Nielsen

(1886-1957)

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Circa 1955.

Pastel on board.
Unsigned. "Page 31," title, "But Mary kept all these things, etc." and "No. X" written in pencil in bottom margin. Typewritten label on verso, "Birth of Christ. No. 7. St. Luke. Chapter 2 #19."

Publication:
Christmas card illustration for Buzza-Cardozo.
14 1/2 x 10 1/2 in. (36.8 x 26.7 cm.), Frame: 24 x 19 in. (61 x 48.3 cm.)

  • Provenance:
    Private collection, New Jersey.

    Further information:
    Nielsen experienced incredible success for the decadent, whimsical fairytale illustrations he created in his early career. In the late 1930s, he moved onto working for Disney, where his art was used in Fantasia (1940) and his concept sketches contributed to the visual direction of The Little Mermaid. Into the 1940s and 50s, Nielsen struggled to find steady work as tastes changed and his style was deemed too "dark". This work, commissioned for a series of holiday cards by American greeting card company, Buzza-Cardozo, marks one of his last American works before his death in 1957.

    The designs were later re-drawn by other Disney artists on which Nielsen's name was added. The original by Nielsen does not bear his signature.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

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December 4, 2025 12:00 PM EST
New York, NY, US

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