Description:

Arthur Rackham
English, (1867 - 1939)
The King and the Swineherd
book illustration
Signature and 1902 date within the print lower right. Included in Book of Pictures 1913 and Once Upon a Time. Frame needs repair.

Biography from the Archives of askART: The pre-eminent illustrator of the Edwardian Age, whose imaginative work graces such children's classics as Alice in Wonderland, Grimm's Fairytales, and many others, he was born on September 19, 1867, in London, England, as one of twelve children. A student at the City of London School, Arthur became known for his artistic gift, winning many prizes for his artwork. While he began working as a clerk at the Westminster Fire Office at age 18, he continued his art studies at the Lambeth School of Art in his spare time, and submitted some illustrations to publications like Scraps and Chums.

In 1892, Rackham left his safe position as a clerk to explore a career in illustration, and worked as a reporter at the Westminster Budget to earn a living. First book illustrations followed (1893), but it wasn't until 1896, the publication of the book The Zankiwank and the Bletherwitch, that his work began showing hints of the whimsical, magical style, later to become his hallmark. Rackham illustrated close to twenty books in the 1890s, also creating images for major children's magazines. There were adventure and fantasy books, fairytales and legends, as well as books on English gardens, and fishing and hunting.

In 1905, when a new edition of the Washington Irving classic Rip van Winkle was published, it contained 51 color plates by Rackham, his first major book, by far, and the manifestation of his style. He went on to create much acclaimed illustrations for books like Peter Pan in Kensington Garden (1906), Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1907), A Midsummer-Night's Dream (1908), Undine (1910), The Rhinegold and the Valkyrie, and Siegfried and The Twilight of the Gods (1910, 1911).

A master in the use of watercolor, Rackham was a skilled draftsman and a gifted and imaginative observer of human nature. "He was-and remains-a soloist in front of an orchestra, a player with the responsibility to interpret and add a personal lustre to great works with variations of infinite sublety and grace." (Arthur Rackham: A Life with Illustration, by James Hamilton, Pavilion Books, London, 1990).

He was an elected member of the Royal Watercolor Society, the Société Nationale des Beaux Arts, and Master of the Art Worker's Guild. In 1906, he won a gold medal for his work in Milan, Italy, and in Barcelona, Spain, in 1911. His illustrations are known and collected around the world.

Arthur Rackham died in England in 1939.

  • Dimensions: 6"H x 5 1/4"W (sight), 12 7/8"H x 10 1/8"W (frame)
  • Medium: book illustration

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Professional in house shipping services are available for items. Large and or fragile items will require a third party shipper. Shipping costs will include carrier fees, handling, and insurance. A low bid purchase price does not mean shipping costs will be any less. The size and weight of a package will impact the cost that the carrier charges. Multiple items will impact the cost of handling. Items that are of high value will require more insurance. Contact Ripley Auctions if you would like a shipping estimate before the auction. Some items may require a third-party shipper. Please let the office know if you would like to pick up your winning bid or arrange your own shipping.

August 31, 2023 1:00 PM EDT
Indianapolis, IN, US

Ripley Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $199 $20
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $4,999 $200
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $29,999 $1,000
$30,000 + $2,500