I’m not sure why, but Saturdays seem like a good day to showcase Fairy Tales. Perhaps because I spent every Saturday with my grandparents when I was young and my Opa loved to tell me stories.
Today’s story book is a classic of the Art Nouveau period and was illustrated by the incomparable Virgina Sterrett. Sterrett was only 20 when she received the commission to illustrate Old French Fairly Tales and the art she created is rich and full of colour and delicate details. Sterrett was diagnosed with tuberculosis shortly after the completion of this book and her failing health limited her ability to work. She did go on to complete the illustrations for two other books before her death at the age of 30. I will be showcasing those books over the next 2 Saturdays so make sure to tune in. But now, let’s just enjoy a few of the wonderful illustrations of Sterrett’s first book, Old French Fairy Tales.
The book comes to us from the Public Domain Review, but the entire book can be accessed at The Internet Archive.
Marcus Ranum says
… must find a copy!
voyager says
Marcus,
I know, right.
It’s definitely a worthy addition to your library. (I’m surprised you don’t already have it.)
Ice Swimmer says
I think I can see Japanese influences. They were a part of the Art Nouveau.
Or it’s just that I see Japanese influences everywhere after visiting this.
Jazzlet says
Gorgeous!
DonDueed says
Fabulous! (Pun intended)
Marcus Ranum says
It runs about $80 on ebay for 1st editions. Bery collectible!
It seems to me as though the art style and magical look influenced the design of the elven zones in World of Warcraft.
Charly says
These are very, very beautiful.