Der Rattenfänger von Hameln Tafel 38
1910
Kate Greenaway brings a touch of heartbreaking sweetness to this scene from the legendary tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Here, we see the devastating aftermath of the Piper's revenge: a mother clutches her infant while grieving figures huddle together in despair, having lost their children to the magical flute. Greenaway was a superstar of Victorian children's book illustration, famous for her nostalgic, old-fashioned clothing styles—notice the bonnets and flowing dresses—which actually became a major fashion trend for real children in the 1880s! This specific plate captures the quiet tragedy of the story, contrasting the soft, pretty colors with the heavy sorrow of the figures.
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