Dragon 1892

This fantastical illustration comes from the hand of Theodor Severin Kittelsen. The artist made this using ink on paper, which is a relatively simple and direct process. See how Kittelsen’s technique influences the artwork's appearance. The ink is applied in dense clusters of tiny strokes, building up a rich texture across the page, and lending it a velvety feel. Look closely, and you’ll see a remarkable level of detail, from the dragon's scales, to the intricate Celtic knotwork on the chests. It's as if the artist is inviting us into a world of myth and legend. This painstaking process is deeply entwined with the themes of the image. Think about it – a dragon guarding its hoard, each coin and jewel earned through conquest. This parallels Kittelsen's own labor, transforming ink and paper into a valuable work of art, one tiny stroke at a time. It reminds us that value is not simply found, but made.