‘Little niece,’ said Kühleborn, ‘forget not that I am here with thee as a guide.’ (1912)

Arthur Rackham's enchanting illustration, "Little niece," said Kühleborn, "forget not that I am here with thee as a guide," was created in 1912 and beautifully captures the mystical essence typical of his work. This painting is steeped in a narrative that pulls viewers into a moment of intense conversation and guidance.In the scene, a majestic and elderly figure, identified as Kühleborn, stands in a wooded landscape. He is clad in flowing robes, holding a staff, and appears to be imparting wisdom or a warning to the young woman beside him. The young woman, the "little niece," has an expression of attentive serenity and is dressed in a simple, elegant green dress which suggests a connection to nature. She stands beside a splendid white horse, suggesting a journey or adventure at hand.The backdrop is a lush forest setting, with detailed trees and foliage that seem to swirl around the figures, enhancing the sense of a magical or otherworldly encounter. Rackham's use of muted earth tones and the intricate detail in the textures of the clothing and natural elements helps to evoke a timeless, fairytale quality.This illustration is likely from one of Rackham's works on folk tales or epic myths, where he excelled in bringing characters to life with his distinctive style that seamlessly blends the natural world with the mystical.