The good little Sister cut off her own tiny finger, fitted it into the lock, and succeeded in opening it 

Arthur Rackham created this illustration using ink and watercolor, likely for a book of fairy tales sometime in the early 20th century. The delicate linework and muted tones give the scene a dreamlike quality. Rackham was a master of these traditional techniques, achieving subtle gradations of color through layering and controlled washes. Notice how he uses the fluidity of the watercolor to evoke the movement of water and the soft glow of the starlit sky. But it’s the darker ink work that defines the solidity of the icy lock that the good little sister has managed to open. Rackham also used his technical skill to enhance the emotional impact of the scene. Look at the precise details of the girl’s determined expression and her small finger as she wedges it into the lock. The image encapsulates the dark themes found in these types of fairy tales. Ultimately, Rackham’s illustration reminds us that even seemingly simple materials can be used to create powerful and evocative works of art. It challenges our assumptions about the boundaries between craft and fine art, and encourages us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in traditional illustration.