This is a handcrafted linocut print inspired by an old Germanic folktale about how the first flakes of snow are the feathers that fall from the pillows of Old Mother Goose as she shakes them in the sky.

Mother Goose, also known as Frau Holle, may have also been a goose herself, or may have shapeshifted between an elderly woman and a white swan or goose, because in some versions of the story she has a one large foot, like that of a goose, perhaps a splayed foot from pressing the treadle of her spinning wheel. Because she can appear as both a white goose and an elderly woman, she represents both maiden and crone, and her spinning wheel represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth as well as this transitional time of the year: the Winter Solstice, marking the darkest night of the year and the beginning of the return of the light.

The Brother’s Grimm thought Mother Goose may be a modern iteration of a more ancient pre-Christian Alpine Goddess Perchta, who is also associated with winter and weaving, and the Yuletide, an in-between and magical time between the past year and the new year. Mother Goose / Perchta lives in multiple worlds (past and present, young and old) and mediates between them and for this reason through her we can hear, see, and feel the wisdom this vital and soulful sense of bothness offers us.

This handmade print includes the following details: Mother Goose with a winterberry crown, a snow goose, feathers and stars.

SIZE:

Paper size 11" x 14"

Print size 8" x 10"

MATERIALS:

It is printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) Relief Ink on professional grade Strathmore Paper.

COLOR:

It is printed with Prussian blue. Photographs have been carefully taken to show the color as closely matched as possible to the actual color.

NEW! CUSTOM COLORS: If you would prefer it in a different color, please message me directly with a proposed color and we can go from there! It will take 3-5 days.

PERSONALIZATION & GIFTING: If you are gifting this to someone, feel free to include a brief message. This will be handwritten on a one-page description of this folktale and included with the print.

ECO-PACKAGING: This print will be carefully packed in a recycled plastic sleeve and shipped in a recycled cardboard mailer. A one-page description of the folktale is included with the artwork. Learn more about this shop’s sustainable packaging choices.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note* the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.