The artwork, titled “Ashenputtel goes to the ball,” is an illustration by Arthur Rackham, a prominent artist associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This piece belongs to a series of illustrations created for the book “Snowdrop & Other Tales, by the Brothers Grimm.” The illustration showcases a moment from one of the tales in which the protagonist, adorned in an elegant gown, appears poised and graceful as she attends a ball.
In the artwork, the central figure, Ashenputtel (equivalent to Cinderella in other cultures), is depicted wearing a flowing, ethereal dress with intricate detailing. She is surrounded by other characters, who are dressed in the elaborate and ornate costumes characteristic of the period. The use of soft, muted colors and delicate lines is typical of Rackham’s style, adding a sense of enchantment and delicacy to the scene. The background includes subtle floral and organic motifs, further emphasizing the Art Nouveau influence. The overall composition evokes a sense of wonder and fairy-tale magic, capturing the timeless charm of the Grimm Brothers’ stories.