‘Mopsa The Fairy’ by Jean Ingelow 1920

Dorothy Lathrop's drawing for Jean Ingelow's ‘Mopsa The Fairy’ is rendered with ink in strokes that balance detail and whimsicality. I’m struck by how Lathrop uses line to evoke a sense of depth. Look at the fairy’s flowing hair – the way each strand is distinct, yet they blend to create a sense of ethereal movement. The contrast with the solid dark background enhances the figures, drawing us into their embrace. The jagged edges of the stone create a tactile sense of texture. It is a reminder that art is not just about seeing, but feeling. Notice the fairy’s hair as it cascades down, each line, each curve, is carefully considered, leading the eye down to the base of the image. Lathrop reminds me of artists like Aubrey Beardsley, who explored the graphic possibilities of black and white in creating enigmatic and sensual imagery. It’s this kind of visual conversation across time that keeps art alive, always echoing and responding to what came before.