Illustration for The Nutcracker and the Mouse King 1924

Artuš Scheiner’s 1924 illustration for *The Nutcracker and the Mouse King* depicts a fantastical scene. Several ladies and gentlemen, dressed in elaborate attire, gather in a richly decorated chamber. A young boy, perhaps the Nutcracker himself, lies sleeping in a gilded crib with a curious mouse peering over the side. Cats and mice are present, suggesting the battle between the two, a central theme of the story. Scheiner’s distinct style, characterized by delicate linework and soft, muted colors, creates an enchanting and ethereal atmosphere. This charming illustration captures the magic and wonder of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.