“The King’s only daughter had been carried off by a Dragon” is an artwork by Arthur Rackham, created in the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This illustration is part of the series “Snowdrop & Other Tales, by the Brothers Grimm,” exemplifying Rackham’s distinctive style and his contribution to the genre of illustration.
The artwork portrays a dramatic and evocative scene, depicting a dragon soaring through the sky with the king’s daughter in its clutches. The dragon, with its long, serpentine body and expansive wings, dominates the upper portion of the composition, while the distressed princess is shown in flowing garments, emphasizing the swift movement and the perilous situation. Below them, a castle and a village are faintly visible, grounding the fantastical occurrence in a medieval setting. The color palette is subdued, with muted tones that enhance the ethereal and tense atmosphere of the scene. Rackham’s meticulous line work and detailed execution highlight both the menace of the dragon and the vulnerability of the princess, making the artwork a poignant and captivating illustration.
