ARTHUR RACKHAM, (ENGLISH 1867-1939)
Framed Original Final Published Artwork use for the End Papers for Arthur Rackham’s Illustrated book, “The Pied Piper” Ex. Sotheby’s London
This charming final published drawing by Arthur Rackham artistically depicts a dancing mouse (rat) holding a candlestick and a spoon. Surrounding the mouse is a table, a highly decorative door, and windows. The adorable scene was used for the published end papers of Rackham’s Illustrated version of “The Pied Piper”.
The original art is offered in a new archival Black Gloss frame, Matted, framed and glazed to an overall size of 15″ x 15″.
The artwork has been archivally matted and framed, and presented above an Arthur Rackham hand written and signed letter. The letter has been folded to expose his Arthur Rackham’s signature.
The original art sheet by “sight” is 5.75″ x 3.25″. The opening for the folded letter is 3.75″ x 2″.
Provenance: The original Rackham art was acquired via Sotheby’s, London, and a copy of the invoice and lot description will accompany the artwork for provenance.
The original 4″ x 6.5″ letter is on “Arts Club” letterhead, and is dated “February 17, 1932”. The letter is folded to expose Rackham’s signature. The letter is to J. C. C. Taylor, and states in full: “I have left the two books, marked as wanted, at your office this afternoon. Could you tell me the date you last sent me a cheque? I have yet muddled over my records & don’t quite know when I am. It would straighten me out if you could tell me.”
A truly unique, stunning piece with a wonderful presence. The Pied Piper of Hamelin (German: Rattenfänger von Hameln, also known as the Pan Piper or the Rat-Catcher of Hamelin) is the titular character of a legend from the town of Hamelin (Hameln), Lower Saxony, Germany.
The legend dates back to the Middle Ages, the earliest references describing a piper, dressed in multicolored (“pied”) clothing, who was a rat-catcher hired by the town to lure rats away with his magic pipe. When the citizens refuse to pay for this service, he retaliates by using his instrument’s magical power on their children, leading them away as he had the rats.
Rackham’s pieces were known for their luxurious use of color and keen attention to detail. His styles ranged easily from vivid, bright splashes of color to more muted, subtle tones. He became a member of the Royal Watercolour Society and mastered the watercolor method of painting, seen in many of his works. Many of the books Rackham illustrated include both his black and white, and color plates. Much of Rackham’s work depicts gnomes, fairies, goblins or other creatures from mythology, folklore or fable. Whether illustrating whimsical books for children or darker matter for adults, Rackham’s imaginative, brilliant illustration style was highly sought after and enhanced any text it accompanied. Rackham died in 1939, and now, more than 70 years after his death, his work is highly collectible with small watercolors selling in the $40,000 range!!
Framed size of 15″ x 15″
Original published artwork by Arthur Rackham is extremely scarce. A very stunning piece and showcases very well. Perfect for the Rackham collector.
