Household Stories from the Collection of the Brothers Grimm

Art Historical Context

**Household Stories from the Collection of the Brothers Grimm** (1882) is a beloved Victorian-era edition of classic fairy tales collected by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Illustrated by the renowned British artist Walter Crane, with contributions from his sister Lucy Crane, and by Macmillan & Co., compact book (7 11/16 x 5 3/8 x 7/8 in.) brings timeless stories like those featuring sleeping figures, lutes, cats, dogs, flowers, allegorical scenes to life. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 7, it resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department. The Grimm brothers' early 19th-century folklore compilations captured Europe's oral traditions, evolving into global cultural treasures. This 1882 version reflects the Victorian fascination with moralistic tales for children, adorned with Crane's wood engravings—a precise technique where intricate designs carved into wood blocks produced rich, reproducible black-and-white images ideal for mass printing. Walter Crane, a leader in the Arts and Crafts movement, infused the illustrations with decorative flair, drawing from Pre-Raphaelite influences and Japanese aesthetics. Vibrant with whimsical men, women, and animals amid floral motifs, these engravings highlight storytelling's allegorical depth, making the book not just a reader, but a visual feast of imagination and craft.

About the Artist

Walter Crane|Lucy Crane|Macmillan & Co.|Jacob Ludwig Carl Grimm|Wilhelm Carl Grimm · 1845–1915

British artist, illustrator, and designer.