There are 94 illuminated initials in the book (if I counted correctly), one to start each story, but there are lots of repeats, so I’m not sure how many unique illustrations were made. Although some seem to be appropriate to the stories they begin, they obviously
Despite being so small (about 1.5 inches), and apparently being intended more as a type font than full illustrations in their own right, these little images manage to pack a lot of visual punch. There are lots of interesting details of patterns, both black on white and white
on black, and some charming whimsical details. (I think my favorite detail is the ladder leading up to the flower in which the tiny dwarf sips his tea.) They go to show that it doesn’t take a grand gesture to make an impact, and that even the smallest dose of art can brighten up the day.
[Pictures: Initial E (nighttime stroll), woodcut;
Initial E (elf in a flower), woodcut;
Initial E (rooster rider), woodcut;
Initial I (giant), woodcut;
Initial E (rooster rider), woodcut;
Initial I (giant), woodcut;
Initial E (giantess), woodcut;
Initial D (boat), woodcut;
Initial E (giant’s head), woodcut;
Initial E (giant’s head), woodcut;
Initial E (gentleman on horseback), woodcut;
Fronstpiece, woodcut, all from Deutsche Märchen seit Grimm (German Folktales since Grimm) set forth by Paul Zaunert, 1919.
(All images from University of Connecticut Libraries, Open Libraries, and found via The Public Domain Review.)]
3 comments:
The frontispiece doesn't look like it was done by the same artist who did the illuminated initials. The frontispiece reminds me of the work of Wanda Gag, who is perhaps most famous for her "Millions of Cats". Anyway, thanks for these cheerful prints on a winter day.
it is thrilling to see what can be done with simple lines... not so simple when they come together tho. Wonderful!
Hm, I thought the frontispiece looked consistent with the others - for example, compare the island in the boat block with the ground in the frontispiece. Remember that the frontispiece is a good deal bigger than the others. On the other hand, it's certainly entirely possible that they were done by different artists since I have no information about any of them.
Yes, it's cool to be reminded how much is possible with just a little.
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