Artwork
The Wren and the Bear
The Wren and the Bear is a drawing by Arthur Rackham. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
This painting shows a battle between birds and animals.
The illustration is from a fairy tale called "The Wren and the Bear". It was made for a special edition of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.
The artist used simple shapes to create the scene, which is different from his usual detailed style.
Check out the work of artist: Arthur Rackham (British, 1867–1939)
Overview
The Wren and the Bear is a drawing by Arthur Rackham, created for a luxury edition of the Brothers Grimm's Fairy Tales.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a battle between birds and animals, as told in the fairy tale 'The Wren and the Bear', where an insult by a bear to a wren sparks a war between flying and land creatures.
Technique & Style
Unlike Rackham's typical intricate and colored work, this illustration is a silhouette, using simple shapes to convey the scene, showcasing the artist's versatility in style.
History & Provenance
The illustration was exhibited at the 1906 Milan International Exhibition as 'The Battle between the Air and the Earth' and won a gold medal.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Arthur Rackham (19 September 1867 – 6 September 1939) was an English book illustrator.
