The Frog asks to be allowed to enter the Castle - Illustration for 'The Frog Prince'

Artist Walter Crane (Liverpool, England, 1845 - 1915)

Datec. 1874

Mediumpen, ink and watercolour on paper

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsSight Size: Height: 22.4 cm, Width: 19.4 cm
Frame: Height: 43.5 cm, Width: 38.2 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1917.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003355

Keywords

About MeAmongst the finest of the children's picture books that Walter Crane illustrated is the classic fairytale 'The Frog Prince', which was published in 1874.

Here can be seen the Prince (who has been turned into a frog) appearing on the Princess' doorstep, hoping to share her meal but she refuses to let him in. Shortly after, the Princess confesses all to her father, the King, who insists that his daughter upholds her promise and invites the frog into the palace.

Crane fills his imagined setting with decorative interest. The loose fitting, broad-sleeved dress of the Princess recalls the aesthetic costume worn by Pre-Raphaelite women. Its heavily embroidered pattern links Crane to William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement of which Crane was an avid supporter.

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A very influential book illustrator, Crane's work is reflective of the Arts and Crafts movement and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. The frog is therefore of less importance compared to the dress and decor!