Born and raised in Russia but later immigrating to the United States, Feodor Rojankovsky (1891-1970) illustrated more than a 100 children's books. He won the Caldecott Award for Frog Went A-Courtin' in 1956 but is probably best known for his illustrations in Over in the Meadow by John Langstaff. I think he has a very unique style and I love the bright colors and high contrast that seem to be his trademark. This is what he had to say about his childhood and how it influenced his art:
"Two great events determined the course of my childhood. l was taken to the zoo and saw the most marvelous creatures on earth: bears, tigers, monkeys and reindeer, and, while my admiration was running high, l was given a set of color crayons. Naturally, I began immediately to depict the animals which captured my imagination. Also when my eider brothers, who were in schools in the capital, came home for vacation, I tried to copy their drawings and to imitate their paintings.
"Later when l went to school in Reval Tallinn, an ancient town on the shores of the Baltic sea my love for art was enhanced and strengthened by a passion for nature. Tallinn was surrounded by forest. The sea presented wonderful opportunities for excursions and study of sea life. But there were also steamers, sailboats, flags, and all the excitement of a port. This was no less exciting than playing Red Indians or reading James Fenimore Cooper, the beloved author of all Russian children before, during, and after the Revolution .. [Bertha Mahony Miller and Elinor Whitney Field, editors, CaIdecott Medal books: 1938-1957, Horn Book, 1957.]
Here you can see some wonderful lithographs and here you can see an illustration he did for the book Daniel Boone.
Every now and then I'll post about other children's book illustrators and authors that I admire.
I have been following a Wikipedia link concerning Feodor Stepanovitsj Rojankovsky. He illustrated The Tall Book of Mother Goose in 1942. His drawings for Humpty Dumpty Sat on The Wall show an egg with Adolf Hitler's characteristical face.
Do you happen to know anything about his more or less hidden intentions behind that? I like it, the "sad" story about a broken egg is certainly achieving a new dimension, especially back in 1942 when the final outcome of WW2 was not yet given ...
Friendly greetings from a 63 year old Norwegian
Posted by: Erik Torp Nilssen | 08/21/2011 at 07:58 AM
I have a 1945 framed 14 X 18 Lithograph by Rojankovsky showing Jack and Jill.
Posted by: Herb Mores, Norfolk, MA | 11/05/2010 at 11:17 AM
I really like the picture on this post.
Happy Days
Posted by: Kiwi | 01/21/2005 at 10:23 PM
Lovely illos! I love children's books too. Thanks for sharing that tidbit!
Posted by: Giao | 01/21/2005 at 09:14 AM
Hi Cassi! That scarf is fab!! I just love Children's book illos. I think that's how I got started painting....when I was young I would copy every one of my favorite artists from books! I'm sure a lot of people could say that!
I need you to send me your address again! For some reason I am missing yours and Rachels. Thanks! Will be in touch soon! LOL
Posted by: jes | 01/21/2005 at 05:50 AM