The artwork titled “Many’s the beating he had from the broomstick or the ladle” is an illustration by Arthur Rackham, known for his contributions to the Art Nouveau movement, also referred to as Modern. This piece is part of the “English Fairy Tales” series and exemplifies the genre of illustration.
In the artwork, Rackham captures a domestic scene imbued with tension and movement. The composition depicts a woman wielding a broomstick or ladle in a lively, almost theatrical stance, as she confronts a retreating figure of a young man or child within a rustic, warmly-lit kitchen. The room is detailed with various household items, such as pottery, linen, and bread, against the backdrop of a checkered floor and exposed wooden beams. The expressions and body language of the characters convey a sense of urgency and action, consistent with the narrative-driven character of traditional fairy tale illustrations. The use of color and line work also adds a rich texture and depth to the scene, characteristic of Rackham’s illustrative style within the Art Nouveau movement.