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The Land of Make Believe - 516 Piece Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

$129.95
$129.95
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This fanciful map adorned the walls of many children's classrooms and bedrooms in the 1940s and 1950s.  The map illustrates...
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NP23-516-614
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  • Every puzzle invites you to discover uniquely handcrafted whimsy (shaped) pieces, thoughtfully designed to complement the image theme.
  • Irregular pieces provide an engaging challenge, keeping puzzlers intrigued with interesting shapes and rewarding problem-solving.
  • To ensure exceptional durability, each puzzle is crafted from premium 4mm FSC-certified Finnish birch plywood.
  • Nautilus Puzzles are thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted in the USA, on California's sunny central coast.
  • The puzzles are precision laser cut with advanced technology, ensuring every piece fits together perfectly for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

This fanciful map adorned the walls of many children's classrooms and bedrooms in the 1940s and 1950s. 

The map illustrates whimsical scenes from fairytales and nursery rhymes set in a surreal, imaginary world.

It provides over 30 lovely vignettes of many of literature's most beloved children's books, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack & the Beanstalk, Peter Rabbit, The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, the Wizard of Oz, and Peter Pan.

It was created in the 1920s by the Czech-born artist Jaro Hess and was shown at a children's exhibition during Chicago's 1933 Century of Progress World Exhibition.

Hess's work depicts a fantastic wonderland including castles from every culture and his imagination. We see such familiar figures as Jack climbing the Bean Stalk, the cow jumping over the moon, the Emerald City of Oz, and Hansel and Gretel with the Gingerbread House. 

He was a painter and landscape designer who spent much of his career in Grand Rapids, Michigan, after emigrating to the United States in 1910. Hess never achieved commercial success during his lifetime, but this fantastic poster has inspired many children and adults over the years. The Simpson's creator Matt Groening has said it gave him the idea for his animated series Disenchantment.

During the 1950s, the image was modified to change the figure of "The Wandering Jew" to simply "The Wanderer."

The perfect gift for wooden jigsaw puzzle lovers and fantasy art fans, this traditional adult wooden jigsaw puzzle can be done repeatedly. Our wooden jigsaw puzzle artists have included many nursery rhyme and fairytale whimsy wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces that match the artwork's theme, and we have integrated them in ways that will delight and surprise you as you put the wooden jigsaw puzzle together. 

  • Includes a Bonus Poster to Guide Assembly
  • Number of Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Pieces: 516
  • Completed Puzzle Size: 18” X 12"
  • Artist: Jaro Hess
  • Serial #: NP23-516-614
  • Wood Thickness: 4mm
  • Design Cut Style: Victorian
  • Difficulty: Level 3
  • Made in the USA
  • Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle for Adults
  • Serial #: NP23-516-614
  • Includes a Bonus Poster to Guide Assembly
  • Made in the USA
  • Number of Puzzle Pieces: 516
  • Completed Puzzle Size: 18” X 12"
  • Design Cut Style: Victorian
  • Difficulty: Level 3

Jaro Hess

Jaro Hess, originally named Jaroslav Hes, was born near Prague on March 22, 1889. His early life was marked by diverse experiences, including a degree in metallurgical engineering from the University of Prague and a brief stint in the French Foreign Legion, which he later humorously called 'the worst five days of [his] life.' In 1910, he immigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here, he pursued a career in landscape architecture while nurturing his passion for art, a journey that would shape his unique artistic style.

Hess's most renowned work, The Land of Make Believe, created in the early 1930s, is a detailed pictorial map referencing numerous fairy tales and nursery rhymes, such as 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' and 'Jack the Giant Killer's House.' This painting, which continues to captivate audiences with its imaginative portrayal of fantastical narratives, gained popularity through its reproduction by The Child's Wonderland Company. Beyond this iconic piece, Hess produced works like The Land of the New Testament and The Jungle II, though none achieved the same acclaim. His art often featured fantasy and paranormal themes, reflecting his interests and imaginative vision.

Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, Hess's work has experienced a resurgence in interest, with exhibitions at institutions like the Grand Rapids Art Museum. His unique blend of fantasy and detailed illustration, particularly exemplified in The Land of Make Believe, has inspired contemporary artists and creators. Notably, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening cited The Land of Make Believe as an inspiration for his series Disenchantment. Jaro Hess passed away in 1977, leaving behind a legacy of art that continues to enchant and inspire audiences.

If you order before 2:00 p.m. Pacific, your order will be shipped that day. Orders after 2:00 p.m. are shipped the next business day (M—F).

Delivery charges are calculated at checkout based on the weight/volume of your shipment and the shipping address.

USA Free Shipping: Offered on orders over $75 in value. Typically takes 8 - 10 Business Days, and the last mile is delivered by USPS. Please choose a paid shipping method if you cannot receive USPS delivery or if you are shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorates, APOs, FPOs, or P.O. Boxes.

USPS Ground Advantage: 6 - 8 Business Days

UPS Groundsaver/Surepost: 7 - 9 Business Days

USPS Priority Mail: 2 - 4 Business Days

USPS Priority Mail Express: 1 - 3 Business Days

UPS 2nd Day Air: 2 Business Days. No Saturday Delivery

UPS Next Day Air: 1 Business Day. No Saturday Delivery

For your peace of mind, all orders are sent using a tracked courier service. Once your order has been picked up, you will receive an email with the tracking details, allowing you to monitor your shipment's progress.

Orders outside the U.S. are not eligible for Free Shipping. Please choose your paid shipping method during checkout. We offer DHL, UPS, and USPS Priority Mail for international shipments.

Customs and Import Duties: If your puzzles are being delivered outside the USA, your order may be subject to import fees. These are stipulated by each individual country and are not collected or remitted by Nautilus Puzzles. Unfortunately, as we cannot advise you on the amount of these fees, we recommend contacting your country’s customs office or tax agent for the respective rates.

Returns - Peace of Mind Guaranteed: If you are less than delighted with your new puzzle, you can return it to us within 30 days of receiving your order for a full refund or store credit. We ask that it be unused and in its original condition and packaging (shrink-wrap not removed).

If you contact us in advance, we can email you a prepaid shipping label that you can print and affix to your return. To request this label, simply provide your order number and reason for return to our customer service team at help@nautiluspuzzles.com. Shipping costs will be deducted from your refund/credit, but they are charged at our volume discount shipping rates rather than the standard retail rate.

Please note we can only accept custom puzzles for return or refund if there are quality issues, as these items have been produced specifically for you.