Undine (1909) – by Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué, illustrated by Arthur Rackham

This exquisite 1909 edition of Undine, Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué’s classic German Romantic fairy tale, is magnificently brought to life through the ethereal illustrations of Arthur Rackham. Published by William Heinemann in London, the book features Rackham’s signature style—delicate pen-and-ink drawings with subtle color tints—that perfectly captures the haunting beauty and melancholy of the water sprite Undine’s tragic love story. Rackham’s illustrations evoke the supernatural atmosphere of the tale, from Undine’s shimmering aquatic origins to the medieval forest and castle settings, enhancing the story’s themes of love, betrayal, and the collision between the human and spirit worlds.

About the Illustrator
Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was the preeminent illustrator of the British Golden Age of Illustration, renowned for his enchanting and sometimes eerie interpretations of fantasy and fairy tales. His work on Undine showcases his mastery of blending realism with the otherworldly, using intricate linework and muted tones to create a dreamlike quality. Rackham’s illustrations for this edition, along with his iconic works for Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (1906), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1907), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1908), cemented his reputation as a visionary artist whose imagery continues to define classic fairy-tale aesthetics.

Recommended for Collectors

• The Rhinegold and the Valkyrie (1910) – Rackham’s illustrations for Wagner’s opera, sharing Undine’s mythic Romanticism
• The Water-Babies (1915) by Charles Kingsley, illustrated by Warwick Goble – Another aquatic fairy tale with ethereal art

Other Arthur Rackham’s illustrated works available in our gallery: Rip Van Winkle, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Book of Pictures, The Night Before Christmas, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Midsummer’s Night Dream, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan in Kensington Garden, The Ingoldsby Legends, Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

Art Gallery: Arthur Rackham – Undine 1909