Red Hood - Blue Beard

The eye of the beholder is fascinated by colours. Their symbolic and cultural historical meanings, which have often developed over centuries and are reflected in various narrative forms, are found to be equally fascinating. Thus in traditional folk tales and in literary fairy tales, colours are not just attributes or superficial manifestations but rather have a deeper significance. Why, for example, is the head covering of a little unimposing girl, of all things, red, and why is the beard of a knight who kills women blue? Why does Cinderella wear grey clothing, and what power does Peter Schlemihl’s sold shadow have? The publication traces – colour by colour – these and other exciting questions, all richly portrayed with numerous prints and illustrations from historical fairy tale books.

This book accompanies an exhibition at GRIMM World, Kassel, November 2019 – March 2020.

Text in English and German.