The Heinzelmännchen Pl.15
1912
Fritz Gareis Jr.'s 1912 illustration brings the famous German legend of the Heinzelmännchen to life—mischievous little goblins from Cologne who secretly did all the town's chores at night. The top panel captures the townspeople's dismay as they realize their helpful helpers have vanished forever, likely because someone got too curious and tried to thank them. The bottom scene shows the hilarious consequence: the formerly lazy townsfolk are now forced to do the hard labor themselves, sweating over saws and wood in a classic 'be careful what you wish for' moral wrapped in colorful, early 20th-century cartoon style.