The artwork “Cinderella – from the Picture Book for the Red Cross” is an illustration by Edmund Dulac, a renowned artist associated with the Art Nouveau movement. This piece is part of “The Picture Book for the Red Cross” series and encapsulates the ethereal and decorative qualities characteristic of the era.
In the illustration, we see two figures typically from the fairytale of Cinderella. The central character, presumed to be Cinderella, is dressed in an elaborate gown adorned with jewels and floral motifs. Her gown billows around her, capturing the magical transformation moment often depicted in the Cinderella story. Beside her stands another figure, likely representing the fairy godmother, who is attired in a more modest dress and is shown assisting with the adjustment of Cinderella’s dress or perhaps finalizing the magical transformation. The background is a twilight scene with a cottage window emitting a warm glow, suggesting a humble origin in contrast to the magical scene in the foreground. The environment is rich with details like pumpkins, which are a nod to the fairy tale’s iconic carriage transformation, and a soft, starry sky adds an element of enchantment to the scene. The use of color, the intricate details, and the overall composition reflects Dulac’s mastery in capturing and enhancing the fantastical elements of storytelling through his illustrations.
