Little Thumbling and his brothers find their way home 

Arthur Rackham created this illustration for the fairy tale "Little Thumbling" using ink and brush. The composition is dominated by contrasting spaces of light and dark which effectively create an atmosphere of anxiety and uncertainty. Note how Rackham uses stark, black ink to depict the ominous rain cloud behind the children, contrasting with the fine, delicate lines used to render the children themselves. This creates a visual metaphor for their vulnerability against the looming threat of the unknown. The hag, positioned rigidly in the doorway, is detailed with sharp, angular lines, emphasizing her threatening presence, while the lantern she holds offers only a small area of illumination. Rackham masterfully uses line and shadow to enhance the story's themes of fear and hope. The detailed rendering and carefully constructed visual contrasts of light and dark underscore the dual nature of the fairy tale narrative.