from 'The Rhinegold & The Valkeries' by Richard Wagner. Illustrations by Arthur Rackham*. 1 of 34 tipped in coloured chromolithographs on brown paper. Published by Heinemann in 1910. Measures 5 by 7 inches. Good, clean condition as illustrated.
* Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) London born, Rackham was one of the leading book illustrators during the golden age of fairy tale illustration which flourished from the 1890s until the advent of the First World War.
Outstanding as a pen, ink and watercolour artist, Rackham developed a highly individual and distinctive style of illustration - for many, his images defining the mystery and allure of traditional myths and fairy tales. Rackham benefitted from the development of printing technology to allow his work to be printed without the intermediate stage of engraving and his subtle use of watercolour and fine line bought a newly invigorated interpretation of old familiar stories to new generations of children and adults alike.