Hamlet 

John Austen created this illustration of Hamlet using pen and ink. Austen was a British book illustrator known for his contributions to the Art Deco movement. His work often reflected an interest in the expression of identity through literary themes. Here, we see Austen’s depiction of Hamlet in a state of internal conflict. A cloaked figure stands amidst symbols of theater and mortality, such as masks and a skull. Hamlet appears despondent, seemingly trapped by the weight of his responsibilities and moral dilemmas. The use of stark black and white contrasts enhances the intense emotional atmosphere, reflecting a sense of entrapment and psychological struggle. This drawing serves as a profound statement on the burdens of destiny, and how the weight of expectations can lead to personal anguish. Austen captures the essence of Hamlet's tragic journey with its themes of loss, deception, and the search for truth.