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The Frog Asks To Be Allowed To Enter The Castle - Illustration For "The Frog Prince by Walter C…
The Frog asks to be allowed to enter the Castle - Illustration for 'The Frog Prince'
The Frog Asks To Be Allowed To Enter The Castle - Illustration For "The Frog Prince by Walter C…
The Frog Asks To Be Allowed To Enter The Castle - Illustration For "The Frog Prince by Walter Crane

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

Artist (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
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.

More About Me
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!