When I close my eyes and think of fairytales, it's Arthur Rackham's world that I envision. On one of the leading figures of the British Golden Age of book illustration, and his impact today.
So many great little tidbits in here! I had one of those Brothers Grimm volumes at my grandmother’s house when I was a kid. I can say firsthand: Yes, the images were a bit gritty for a 3 year old! They really are so detailed they are more appropriate for YA category if there had been such a thing at the time. And of course, adults. I could look at them now time and time again, always seeing something different.
Thanks, interesting stuff. I loved fairytales as a child, they really transported you and the illustrations brought them to life. One of my favourites was The twelve dancing princesses, loved that idea of going off in the night to a magical world!
Thanks for such a great explanation of Rackham’s illustrations! I remember reading about the evolution of fairy tales and their proliferation in popular culture being a sticking point between the Grimm brothers. Seems Jacob wanted to preserve the stories as they were, while Wilhelm wanted to revise the stories to increase market appeal.
I really love Rackham’s illustrations for the reasons you mentioned—they’re fanciful but also a little unsettling—just like the stories he illustrated.
So many great little tidbits in here! I had one of those Brothers Grimm volumes at my grandmother’s house when I was a kid. I can say firsthand: Yes, the images were a bit gritty for a 3 year old! They really are so detailed they are more appropriate for YA category if there had been such a thing at the time. And of course, adults. I could look at them now time and time again, always seeing something different.
That’s a great point - you can always find something new when you come back to them!
Thank you for introducing me to Abigail Larson’s amazing work.
My pleasure!! Love Abigail Larson
Rackham's imagery is fascinating.
Thanks, interesting stuff. I loved fairytales as a child, they really transported you and the illustrations brought them to life. One of my favourites was The twelve dancing princesses, loved that idea of going off in the night to a magical world!
Thank you for reading! The Twelve Dancing Princesses is a great one
Fairy stories were indeed once 'horror stories', Nicole. Find Rackham a little saccharine but love the essay
Thank you for reading! I hope you’re both doing well and off on some fabulous adventures! ❤️
Indeed we are, Nicole. Coming to the end pf a trip to Morocco, deep in the Sahara desert....
I can't wait to read about it! I'll keep my eye out...
A brief taster!
https://open.substack.com/pub/marcoandsabrina/p/a-desert-camp-deep-in-the-sahara?r=10ijux&utm_medium=ios
Thank you, don't know how I missed this!
Thanks for such a great explanation of Rackham’s illustrations! I remember reading about the evolution of fairy tales and their proliferation in popular culture being a sticking point between the Grimm brothers. Seems Jacob wanted to preserve the stories as they were, while Wilhelm wanted to revise the stories to increase market appeal.
I really love Rackham’s illustrations for the reasons you mentioned—they’re fanciful but also a little unsettling—just like the stories he illustrated.