Title-page decoration c. 20th century

Editor: This is "Title-page decoration" by Robert John Gibbings, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a striking image, almost like a woodcut, featuring a whale breaching the surface. What jumps out at you when you look at this, Professor? Curator: Well, it makes me think about stories, about voyages and perils. The whale seems almost playful, but there’s a looming darkness in the sky and in the sharp, angular waves. Do you see how the artist uses black and white to create such a dramatic contrast? It’s as if the whole scene is a metaphor for life itself—beauty and danger intertwined. Editor: So, it's more than just a picture of a whale? Curator: Absolutely. Gibbings invites us to consider the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world. It's a small image, yet it speaks volumes, don't you think? Editor: Definitely something to ponder. Thanks for shedding light on that!