Goblin Market is known for its highly implicit sexual implications that are usually considered taboo for children. Sexuality is included both verbally and visually throughout the text, specifically in this image by Dion Clayton Calthrop. He is known for his incorporation of fairies in his illustrations, which can be reflected here in this image with the embroidery that is on the woman’s dress. This image still incorporates an underlying sexual theme, as the relationship between these two sisters seems almost intimate. There is a sexual innuendo that is present in this illustration, further proving that this text is inappropriate for children. The women in Calthrop’s image seem incredibly close and embracive, not truly reflecting a normal sibling relationship. The emphasis of these kisses between the two sisters has a sexual embrace but can also be viewed as an innocent interaction. This allows there to be a discussion of whether or not this book truly is suitable for children and if a younger demographic would be able to understand these inappropriate implications when reading the poem. This also proves the taboo around sexual relationships between woman during that time period. It is almost ironic how Calthrop usually incorporates fairies into his illustrations, as they seem to be more intended for children, but also carry adult innuendos within these images. It brings in the question of what truly is the intended audience for the Goblin Market, that while the images are fairly fantasy and fairy tale based they have implications of incest and female sexuality. This image further proves this conversation around the movement around what themes are appropriate in picture books, specifically if there is a broad spectrum of who the text is intended for, whether that be a more mature or younger audience. Calthrop's images also allow for discussion around human sexuality, specifically between woman.
Relevant Sources
Kooistra, Lorraine Janzen. "No Sex, Please, We're Victorian: Invoking the Pre-Raphaelite Sexual Signifier in Popular Culture." Paper presented at Victorians Institute Conference, Chapel Hill, October 20, 2001, PDF.
Kooistra, Lorraine Janzen. Christina Rossetti and Illustration: A Publishing History, Ohio UP 2002, ProQuest e-Book. https://ebookcentral-