Hamlet 

John Austen created this illustration of Hamlet in black ink, at some point during his career as a book illustrator in the first half of the 20th century. Austen was a prominent figure in the British Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to revive traditional craftsmanship in response to industrialization. His illustration depicts the moment when Hamlet encounters the ghost of his father, the late King. The visual language is heavily influenced by Aubrey Beardsley and Art Nouveau, characterized by stylized figures, intricate patterns, and a sense of ethereal beauty. The dense black ink evokes the mood of existential dread and moral corruption at play in Shakespeare's tragedy. Austen's choice to illustrate Hamlet reflects the enduring cultural significance of Shakespeare in British society. The Arts and Crafts movement often looked to the past for inspiration, embracing pre-industrial forms of art and culture. Studying Austen's influences and the cultural institutions of his time can deepen our understanding of this image.