The Bear and the Fox 1912

Arthur Rackham conjured "The Bear and the Fox" with ink, probably sometime in the early 20th century, and it's a fascinating exercise in mark-making. Look at the bear, almost a void of solid black, but then notice how Rackham lets the lines of the fur break up the edges, so it's not just a flat shape, but a living, breathing thing. The magic is in how he suggests texture and volume using just lines. The tree, gnarled and twisted, feels ancient, its roots like veins reaching into the earth. I especially love the way he renders the fox with such fine, delicate strokes, giving it a sense of alertness and cunning. The tree to the left has those spindly branches. This piece reminds me of Aubrey Beardsley, who was a genius with ink. Both artists prove that simplicity can be incredibly powerful, leaving space for our imaginations to fill in the gaps. It’s a conversation, right? They start it, but we finish it.