Illustration for Hitty 

Dorothy Lathrop’s illustration presents us with a juxtaposition of vulnerability and looming threat: a doll-like figure nestled within a nest, encircled by the ominous presence of large birds. The nest here is a symbol, historically a place of protection and nurturing, yet in Lathrop’s rendering, it becomes a stage for psychological drama. The birds, with their exaggerated features and piercing eyes, evoke ancient fears associated with avian predators, recalling mythological creatures like harpies. The image is charged with a primal tension, echoing narratives from folklore and fairy tales. Consider how similar motifs recur throughout art history—the innocent child threatened by forces beyond their control. These images tap into collective anxieties, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Here, the doll, an emblem of innocence, is set against the stark, exaggerated figures of the birds, embodying a timeless struggle.