Demeter rejoiced, for her daughter was by her side 

Walter Crane made this illustration, "Demeter rejoiced, for her daughter was by her side," using watercolor and ink, processes quite traditional to the fine arts. Yet, what makes Crane interesting is how he puts those techniques to use. Here, the flowing lines and delicate washes of color create a scene that feels both classical and intimate. But this wasn't just fine art for Crane. He was deeply involved in the Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to bring beauty and quality craftsmanship to everyday life, and rebelled against industrial manufacturing. Look closely, and you'll notice the influence of Japanese woodblock prints, a technique that privileges line. Crane employed this artistic technique in designs for wallpapers, textiles, and, notably, children's books, such as the one in which this image appears. So, while the subject matter here – a tender moment between mythological figures – is elevated, Crane's vision was grounded in a desire to make art accessible. He saw no real distinction between the so-called 'high' and 'low' arts.