When he went over the wall he was terrified to see the Witch before him 1920

Arthur Rackham made this illustration using pen, ink and watercolor, materials and processes that were widely available at the turn of the 20th century. The texture of the paper support is evident, adding a tactile dimension to the image. Looking closely, you can see Rackham's skilled handling of the pen and brush, creating fine lines and washes of color to define forms and create depth. This image comes from a period when advancements in printing technology made illustrated books and mass produced images more accessible to a wider audience. Rackham's illustrations, with their whimsical style, contributed to the popularity of illustrated books, and the culture of visual storytelling. The commercialization of art, books, and stories, became big business during Rackham's era. Recognizing the materials, and the methods of its making, allows us to understand the social and cultural context in which Rackham created this piece, and how it reflects the changing landscape of art production at the time.