The Master of the Black Arts Bringeth a Curious Little Black Hen to the King, for "The Wonder Clock" 1887

Curator: I find the graphic quality of this piece so appealing. This is Howard Pyle's engraving, made in 1887, illustrating an excerpt from "The Wonder Clock." Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the theatricality of the scene, like a medieval stage play rendered in meticulous detail. It almost feels like a parody, but something sinister simmers underneath the surface. Curator: I agree. Pyle masterfully blends historical aesthetic with his own illustrative style, reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement of the time. He uses incredibly detailed lines and patterning in both the interior and costume design. Consider also Pyle's engagement with the late Victorian fascination for folklore and the imagined past, particularly with tales of kings, magicians and old world customs. Editor: The hen is so visually arresting! Black hens are a recurring motif in folklore. Often symbolizing hidden knowledge or uncanny luck. This idea of ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’ knowledge chimes with our present unease: The Master’s gaze is shifty; his intentions are, it seems, ambiguous. This ‘gift’ presented by the wizard could be a trick. Curator: Pyle worked primarily as an illustrator, and, like his contemporaries in Britain, believed art should have an explicit didactic function for both adults and especially children. This image showcases his commitment to historical and symbolic accuracy in portraying narratives that reinforce moral values and explore the boundaries between the real and the fantastic. Editor: Didactic indeed! Consider the symbols worked into the frame and royal trappings–we’re anchored by images of stability and monarchy, yet threatened by irrational dark forces beyond. We may read the scene on the level of politics, but I’m also struck by its rendering of anxiety. It perfectly captures a feeling of apprehension. Curator: Indeed, examining this piece from a cultural perspective sheds light on late 19th-century values and beliefs. The depiction of authority challenged by hidden arts also resonates in light of the rise of occult movements, further questioning the stability and certainties of Victorian society. Editor: Agreed. The genius lies in how he makes the fantastical tangible, forcing us to question our own perceptions. It stays with you.