Design for a Book Illustration 1630 - 1691

William Faithorne the Elder created this book illustration design on paper, using pen and brown wash, in the 17th century. The drawing’s appearance is largely determined by the behavior of ink on paper. Notice the linear quality of the pen work, where the artist has scratched the surface of the paper, in contrast to the subtle tonal variations achieved with the wash. Faithorne was primarily an engraver, meaning he would have been accustomed to reproducing imagery, and to the discipline of working in reverse. This design would have been made in preparation for this process, carefully planning the composition, and its interplay of light and shadow. Of course, the imagery itself also has cultural significance. The gathering of figures, the tented encampment, and the armored soldier all speak to the realities of 17th-century life, a time of ongoing conflict and political unrest in England. When we consider the materials, the making, and the context of this artwork, we can appreciate how it bridges the gap between art, craft, and social history.