The White Snake 1922

Walter Crane made this drawing, called *The White Snake*, sometime in the late nineteenth century, using ink on paper. The ink creates these beautiful lines that define figures and space, but also describe textures and patterns. It’s the kind of mark making that reveals the artist’s process – you can see every stroke, every decision. What I love about this piece is how it transforms a potentially fraught moment – sharing an apple under a snake-infested tree – into one of tender connection. The figures are so carefully rendered, almost reverently, with such fine detail, especially in the folds of their robes and the way their hair is depicted. Notice the incredibly detailed cross-hatching in the background. This creates depth and texture that enriches the emotional impact of the artwork. And the lines are so crisp and clear. The line gives the image a sense of depth and the pattern of the apple tree leaves looks like music. Crane’s work reminds me a bit of Aubrey Beardsley, another master of the black and white drawing, but with a softer, more romantic touch. Art is a constant conversation, echoing and riffing on what came before.