The Knight and His Companion 1887

This pencil drawing, “The Knight and His Companion,” was created by Sir John Tenniel, most famous for illustrating Lewis Carroll's *Alice's Adventures in Wonderland*. Tenniel used graphite pencil to create this composition, a common material that allows for detailed and easily reworkable drawings. Pencil, though simple, enabled Tenniel to create a complex image. You can see how he built up layers of graphite to define the forms of the knight, his horse, and the fantastical creature behind them. The varying pressure and density of the pencil lines give depth and texture to the figures, from the smooth armor of the knight to the rough coat of the dog running below. Tenniel was a political cartoonist for *Punch* magazine, and this work seems to engage in political commentary, judging by the banners of ‘Socialism’ and ‘Majority’ held by the figures. Pencil allowed Tenniel to rapidly visualize and iterate on his ideas, making it an ideal medium for the timely production of political cartoons. Considering Tenniel's background, it’s clear that even the most basic of materials can be imbued with cultural significance, blurring the lines between fine art, illustration, and social critique.