Sir Launcelot and Elouise the Fair, for "The Story of the Champions of the Round Table" 1905

Howard Pyle made this illustration in 1905 for "The Story of the Champions of the Round Table," probably with ink on paper. The all-over linear hatching describes the scene, but it also flattens the image, adding to the kind of dreamy flatness of medieval art. Check out how the lines on Eloise's dress move this way and that, almost like the fabric is alive. Look closely, and you can see Pyle's hand in the density of the marks, the way they build up in the darker areas and thin out in the lighter parts. It’s like he's thinking aloud with his pen, not afraid to let us see how he's putting it all together. It reminds me of Walter Crane's graphic style, especially his illustrations for children's books. Ultimately, it’s about letting the story unfold, and letting us find our own way into it.