Abstract

The monchrome oval scene reproduces a larger 1878 engraving I have long enjoyed. Find it here under "Engraving." It shows a manacled, bearded Aesop entertaining a group of delighted young women. The same engraving appears as the frontispiece to the Ariel Booklet edition (1848/1890?) of Aesop's Fables with the James text and Tenniel illustrations put out by the Knickerbocker press.

Abstract

I am not sure that I have ever read a fable of the swan and the crane. Once I learned that "grue" means not only a crane but a prostitute, I am not sure that the artist had ever read one either! In any case, a crane in a very small pool eyes a jauntily and thinly clad young woman. I never thought I would have one of "those" French postcards in this collection!

Abstract B1. "The Hen That Laid the Golden Eggs." A man smoking a pipe and dressed in a Kaiser helmet has killed a goose labeled "German Commerce." The goose's innards are graphically displayed. Nearby is a basket of golden eggs labeled "1912," "1913," and (cracked) "1914." A safe full of coins is open in the background. Series title: "Aesop's Fables Up to Date."B2. "De Ken en de Gouden Eieren." A man smoking a pipe and dressed in a Kaiser helmet has killed a goose labeled "Comercio...

Abstract D1. "The Wolf and the Stork." In this parody of WC, A wolf dressed in a German officer's great coat with spurs and sword menaces a Turkish stork, who holds a bone in his hand. The card's own explanation is "It seems that Turkey, and the other friends of Germany, have to be content with very little gratitude for the help they have given." Series title: "Aesop's Fables Up to Date."D2. "De Wolf en de Ooievaar." Series title: "De Lessen van Aesopus op Onzen tijd Toegepast."...