The Farmer's Supper, Illustration to "Little Claus and Big Claus"

Arthur Rackham|Hans Christian Andersen

ca. 1932 · Watercolor, pen and black ink, touches of white gouache (bodycolor) · Drawings and Prints

Rackham's great success as a children's book illustrator was founded both on his whimsical imagery and understanding of the new four-color printing process. Since the latter could effectively translate only a narrow range of hues, the artist worked in muted tones to ensure the faithful reproduction of his watercolors. Often, he made drawings much larger than the related color prints, and sold the former as independent works. This image relates to Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Claus and Big Claus," published by George G. Harrap & Co. in 1932 (MMA, 1986.1145.11) a fairy tale in which Little Claus revenges himself on a cruel fellow villager Big Claus, and here is shown tricking a farmer's family to procure a lavish meal. The donor acquired the watercolor from the artist two years after its publication.

Artist

Arthur Rackham|Hans Christian Andersen

Date

ca. 1932

Medium

Watercolor, pen and black ink, touches of white gouache (bodycolor)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Everett Leslie Waid, 1955