Image: Arthur Szyk (1894-1951). Andersen's Fairy Tales, The King and Queen of Roses (1945), New York

Description: This elaborately colored image of lacy petaled flower-people represents the fey whimsy of Arthur Szyk at its most charming height. The King and Queen of Roses are perched on their green leafed throne and attended by a dour footman brandishing a lengthy sword. The Queen’s hair is festooned with jewels and posies and brings to mind that most decorated of monarchs, the French Queen Antoinette. “The two most beautiful roses seat themselves on the throne and are called the king and queen. Then all the red cockscombs range themselves on each side and bow. These are the lords-in-waiting. After that the pretty flowers come in and there is a grand ball. The blue violets represent little navel cadets, and dance with hyacinths and crocuses, which they call young ladies. The tulips and tiger lilies are the old ladies who sit and watch the dancing, so that everything maybe be conducted with order and propriety.” Andersen’s Fairy Tales was not the only book Szyk produced for children (his Pathways Though the Bible has been read by millions) it is however, the only full volume displaying this big-eyed, rosy-cheeked style. His designs for Christmas cards and other holiday greetings were never mass-produced or gathered into any complete portfolio. These soft, youthful portrayals are among the most rare of Szyk’s work.
Title: Arthur Szyk (1894-1951). Andersen's Fairy Tales, The King and Queen of Roses (1945), New York
Credit: The Arthur Szyk Society, Burlingame, CA 94070 (www.szyk.org)
Author: Arthur Szyk
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