Arthur Rackham (1867-1939)
Arthur Rackham is one of most popular and influential illustrators ever. He lived in times when a photography gained popularity very fast and for many years he wasn't even sure if the job of illustrating will still be needed.
So he was keeping his regular job (he worked in insurance office) longer then he probably should and non stop checking what is going on in technology.
Eventually this had at least two positive consequences.
He had time to improve his drawing technique where needed many years before the influences on his work melted into his original style (on the illustration above we can see typical greenish hues and tones which are among his signatures, and by the way, did you spot both cows in the picture?).
The other was probably even more important. The photographic technique was successfully incorporated in printing process. Older printing was dependent on engraver and with fine lines like Arthur Rackham's it was hard to catch all the subtle details but with photography there was no need for middle man anymore, so Rackham's style could shine in its full potential.
Rackham's works for children and adults (series from Ring of Nibelung by Arthur Rackham is probably his most known in this genre) were very popular among collectors when he was still alive and they still are.
Arthur Rackham is one of most popular and influential illustrators ever. He lived in times when a photography gained popularity very fast and for many years he wasn't even sure if the job of illustrating will still be needed.
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| The Boyhood of Fionn, Irish Fairy Tales |
So he was keeping his regular job (he worked in insurance office) longer then he probably should and non stop checking what is going on in technology.
Eventually this had at least two positive consequences.
He had time to improve his drawing technique where needed many years before the influences on his work melted into his original style (on the illustration above we can see typical greenish hues and tones which are among his signatures, and by the way, did you spot both cows in the picture?).
The other was probably even more important. The photographic technique was successfully incorporated in printing process. Older printing was dependent on engraver and with fine lines like Arthur Rackham's it was hard to catch all the subtle details but with photography there was no need for middle man anymore, so Rackham's style could shine in its full potential.
Rackham's works for children and adults (series from Ring of Nibelung by Arthur Rackham is probably his most known in this genre) were very popular among collectors when he was still alive and they still are.
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