Cinderella and Sorcerer’s Daughter 

Scott Gustafson painted "Cinderella and Sorcerer’s Daughter," bringing together characters from different fairy tales. He activates our memories of childhood stories, prompting us to think about how these narratives shape our understanding of gender roles. The barefoot Cinderella pauses on the stairs, looking both regal and vulnerable in her blue gown. Gustafson invites us to imagine the moment she transitions from servitude to royalty, while hinting at an alternative narrative: Jack peers down from the beanstalk, and Puss in Boots stands guard. These figures complicate her story, suggesting paths beyond the traditional fairytale ending of marriage. Gustafson has said, "I’ve always enjoyed illustrating stories with a certain amount of substance." Indeed, the image makes the viewer question the roles prescribed to us, encouraging women to step outside traditional roles and create their own paths.