Autolycus, Act IV, Scene ii, The Winter’s Tale 1982

Edwin Austin Abbey made this pen and ink drawing, Autolycus, Act IV, Scene ii, The Winter’s Tale, at some point during his career. Look at the way Abbey's lines build form and depth, creating a tangible sense of character. The texture in this drawing is remarkable; the way Abbey uses hatching and cross-hatching to define the folds of Autolycus’s robes and the weave of his basket gives the piece a tactile quality. The varying weight of the lines mimics light and shadow, making the figure almost three-dimensional against the stark background. Notice the concentration of darker lines around the legs, drawing the eye downwards, rooting him in the scene. Abbey reminds me a little of Beardsley, who was working at the same time; there’s a similar interest in theatrical subjects, and a dedication to the potential of line. Art is about this conversation. This drawing offers so much to think about, proving that simplicity of form can be incredibly rich in content.