#288 of 1001 · May 15, 2021

Finally we reach the end of Rapunzel week, and what better version to cap off the sequence than this glorious work by @paulozelinsky? Sumptuous oil paintings evoke the glory and wonder of a heightened fairy tale past. Zelinsky recreates architectural and design of the Italian Renaissance, particularly notable in his tower, which resembles an ornate campanile. Uncommon depth of emotion arises in the characters’ facial expressions and body language, particularly those of the sorceress—wild rage at the husband’s theft, shocked dismay at the discovery of Rapunzel's deception, and simmering fury as she shears off the flowing, red-gold tresses. A note for folklore enthusiasts: Zelinsky’s adaptation remains true to the text of the Brothers Grimm in several unique ways. Zelinsky refers to the antagonist of his tale as a sorceress, respecting the direct translation of the German word “zauberin” from the seventh edition of Kinder- und Hausmärchen. Moreover, the moment in which Rapunzel’s trysts with the prince are discovered truly stands out. Unlike other authors, who follow the Grimms’ bowdlerization of their original work (having Rapunzel absentmindedly ask, “Frau Gothel, tell me why it is that you are more difficult to pull up than is the young prince, who will be arriving any moment now?”), Zelinsky returns to the very first edition of the text, in which the maiden innocently inquires, “Frau Gothel, tell me why it is that my clothes are all too tight. They no longer want to fit me,” an oblique reference to pregnancy which exposes Rapunzel’s loss of virginity. #rapunzel #garden #sorceress #tower #hair #prince #book #books #childrensbooks #beautifulbook #beautifulbooks #beautifulbookcovers #picturebook #picturebooks #picturebookillustration #picturebookart #childrensbookillustration #childrensliterature #illustration #kidlit #kidsbooks #bookworm #booklover #booklovers #bibliophile #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #instabook #instabooks