Illustration by Gustave Doré
Bluebeard, The fairy tale that reads most like a horror story. I'm actually quite sure I never read this story as a child (and I read a good many tales!) I believe it once was very popular, back when fairy tales weren't so sanitized. This story is pretty difficult to clean up for modern readers.
Bluebeard is the tale of the husband Bluebeard who forbids his new bride to enter one room in their home while he is away. He had been married many times before and the wives have vanished.
Bluebeard for me is a tale of contradictions, curiosity is a dangerous thing in this story, or is it the key to survival? One thing that rings true is once the discovery is out made is no going back. (the image of the key is one of the most powerful in the tale) Somethings cannot be undone.
you can read the whole story here at SurLalune
I've created a minature portrait of one of Bluebeard's unfortunate wives. Its ACEO size 2.5x3.5 inches the original is here. The pocket sized portrait just felt right. I'd also love to do one of heroine of the tale.
I'd love to know if you found this story as a child or later in life?
8 comments:
Wow I love your blog and your art! Thanks for letting me show off your Witch art...I'll send you note when it gets published..should be Wednesday.
Thank you for visiting my blog, I do love visitors :) Your blog is so lovely, I'm going to enjoy browsing. I think I was quite young when I first heard of Bluebeard but I never read the story. I may have to look for a copy.
Kim x
I remember knowing Bluebeard as a child. I think I had a book with it in, but I've no idea what happened to it as I don't have it now?
It seems alot of people have never heard of this tale.
Have a lovely day!
Karen x
Gorgeous as always.
Oh, I met Bluebeard as a child. One of the many scary characters in fairy tales that I was never truly scared of. Books always provided a fun way to be scared.
thank you for sharing, seems most of you have known Bluebeard much longer than I, oh you braavehearts!
I read it first in a big book of Grimm's tales as a kid- plain book, uncut stories.
I liked it, but I prefer other variations of the Robber Bridegroom story. Fitcher's Bird in particular always haunted me-- I've been painting an ACEO series of it, actually. I got a little thrill to know you'll be doing a stroy from the same family.
How wonderful! and I'll have to look up Fitchers Bird! :)
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