Illustration for Božena Němcová's Fairy Tales 

Editor: This is Artuš Scheiner's illustration for Božena Němcová's Fairy Tales, done in watercolor. It feels both whimsical and a bit unsettling, a scene of devils seemingly being entertained by a human. What strikes you most about this image? Curator: The charm of this illustration lies in how it domesticates the demonic. Notice the setting – almost a cozy interior, more stage than inferno. Scheiner, like many artists of his time, taps into folklore to address deeper cultural anxieties. Fairy tales served as vehicles for moral instruction, but also for negotiating complex social relationships. Think about the politics embedded in these narratives – who gets to tell the story, whose values are promoted? Editor: That makes sense. So, you're saying it's not just a scary picture but reflects something about societal power structures? Curator: Exactly. Look at how the human figure interacts with the devils – there's almost a master-servant dynamic. Is this an inversion of power, a critique of authority? Or does it reinforce existing hierarchies through cautionary tales? Moreover, it speaks volumes about cultural perceptions of outsiders and 'others'. How are these demons visually coded to elicit particular responses from the viewer? Are we meant to fear them, pity them, or laugh at them? Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn’t considered how much social commentary could be packed into a fairy tale illustration. Curator: Scheiner’s work provides a glimpse into the public role of art. These images were not simply decorative; they actively participated in shaping cultural beliefs and social norms. It is very interesting to think of them that way! Editor: I'll definitely look at fairy tales and illustrations differently from now on. Thanks for the insight! Curator: My pleasure! I hope I was able to give you more understanding and I hope you consider that power structures are important even in seemingly frivolous pictures.