Welcome to Canvases of Castles and Creatures – an exhibition exploring the rich evolution of German and European fairy tales through the hands of renowned illustrators! This collection spans the enchanting world of tales from before the Brothers Grimm to nuanced adaptations from their successors. Here, you’ll experience works from the 1oth through the 20th century, including Walter Crane’s imaginative take on the infamous Blue Beard (1899), Viginia Sterrett’s “Blondine” (1919), Harry Clarke’s “The Marsh King’s Daughter” 1916), and Edy Legrand’s delicate artistry in the heartfelt Beauty and the Beast (1949). This exhibit delves into the visual essence conjured by these illustrators, with techniques ranging from intricate woodcuts to vibrant paintings.
Each illustration depicts not just a classic narrative, but an artistic tradition deeply rooted in German folklore. With styles reflecting various artistic movements and cultural shifts, this journey projects how illustrators have reinvented timeless tales and the ways their interpretations reflect ever-changing social and artistic values. We invite you to immerse yourself in the diverse depictions of these tales, pondering the ways that artists have reimagined familiar characters and scenes. Explore the variations and cultural events that these illustrations bring to the fantastical world of German storytelling!