The Year's at the Spring 1920

"The Year's at the Spring" is a 1920 illustration by Irish artist Harry Clarke, known for his intricate black and white drawings, influenced by Art Nouveau and Symbolism. This piece features a stark contrast of light and dark, showcasing a young girl on a cliff overlooking a mysterious underwater scene. The girl, representing innocence, contrasts with two mermaids below, possibly symbolizing the duality of human nature and the unknown depths of the subconscious. Clarke's highly detailed linework and intricate patterns create a sense of both beauty and unease, adding to the piece's haunting atmosphere.