Wonderful original drawing, evidently a study for an early advertising project, featuring a woman in a whimsical, anthropomorphic, “galloping” bathtub, a long-tailed bird perched over her shoulder, captioned “Don’t know if you’re coming or going? Pamper yourself with…,” pencil on a goldenrod 12.25 x 12 sheet, signed at lower right “Dr. Seuss.” In the 1930s and 1940s, before his success as one of the most popular children’s authors of the twentieth century, Seuss enjoyed a lucrative career as a commercial artist, applying his uniquely imaginative talents to advertising campaigns for such national brands as Flit Bug Spray, GE Mazda Light Bulbs, Holly Sugar, Schaefer Beer, Standard Oil, and a host of others. The present drawing would appear to be related to shampoo, soap, or a similar beauty product. A bathtub later served as an important plot element in the 1958 sequel to Seuss’s best seller The Cat in the Hat; after leaving a pink ring in the tub, the Cat attempts to clean it with the mother’s dress, setting off all manner of colorful mayhem. A few faint pencil smudges and light creases to blank portion at lower left, otherwise fine condition. Original Seuss artwork of this size and vintage is quite elusive. PSA/DNA LOA and R&R COA.
