Fairy Tales c. 1861 - 1897

Jessie Willcox Smith made this illustration for a book cover, likely using a combination of watercolor and ink. Notice how the texture of the paper shines through the image, giving it a warmth and depth that can be lost in slicker, mass-produced imagery. Smith also has a confident, flowing line, as you can see in the outlines of the figures and the detailing of their clothes. This speaks to her training, but also to her experience as an illustrator. This wasn't art for art's sake. It was art meant to be put to work, to sell books, and to create a feeling of coziness, a nostalgic mood for readers. This was a craft, a trade, and Smith approached it with skill and professionalism, as well as an appealing touch of sentimentality. It's work like this that makes you reconsider the old distinctions between fine art and commercial craft.