I have several Cinderella images to share with you today. Everyone loves a good Cinderella story and the interesting thing is that long before Walt Disney turned her into a sought after princess (and a great marketing vehicle) for little girls everywhere, her story existed in its own right. In France, she was known as Cendrillon. In Germany, as Ashchenputtel. She has appeared in the Arabian Nights, in China as Ye Xian, in Japanese literature, and across Europe in similar forms. The story can be traced in its earliest form to Classical Antiquity; she appears as the Greco-Egyptian girl Rhodopis in a tale from the 1st century BC. She embodies the classic theme of triumph over unjust oppression. Many argue that the tale of Cinderella teaches young women to look to men to rescue them from situations in lieu of taking their destiny into their own hands. On the contrary, what I like most about Cinderella is her perseverance and hope for a better life, in spite of her oppression. The message I like to take away from it is that it was the story of a girl who despite being unjustly oppressed, persevered through her difficulties, and retained the belief that she was deserving of a better life, ultimately triumphing in the end. Because Cinderella is such a popular story, her image exists in abundance in literature and among artists who have attempted to render her likeness. There are so many in fact that it may take a few posts to share all these images. Let's get started, shall we?
Hello Ranjinni. I just discovered your blog through the JBS Mercsntile site. I am delighted - and stunned - to find your vast collection of vintage images. I like to scrapbook using vintage fairy tale illustrations. Your blog is an incredible resource! Many thanks for sharing.
Posted by: tigerlille | August 07, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Can you tell me if an image of your cinderella pumpkin coach would be available for us to use for the front of an invitation to a fundraiser called "once upon a time'? My choir is doing that theme this year and a straight on shot of your art could be a wonderful, different invitation front. we can't pay you much for use but i would make sure you got full credit. please let me know. it's a wonderful assemblage/collage piece!!!
Posted by: CarolTheArtist | October 14, 2011 at 06:33 PM
Hi Carol, thanks for writing, I'd be honored!I'd love it if you could send me a photo of the invitation and I'll be happy to promote your fundraiser on my blog. Also, would you send me a few more details on what the fundraiser is for? You can email me at [email protected]. Thank you!
Posted by: alekhasmommy | October 15, 2011 at 07:29 PM