Charon 1935

This is "Charon," a wood engraving made by C. T. Nightingale in 1935. Can you imagine the focus and control it took to make such intricate cuts in the woodblock? The composition has such a clear contrast between the darkness of the underworld and the light figure, it creates a fascinating dialogue between life and death. I wonder if Nightingale felt a connection to Charon, the ferryman of the dead, his solitary task mirroring the artist’s dedication? There’s a real emotional depth in the image, you know? It reminds me of Paula Rego’s prints, where the marks also convey psychological tension. Artists like Nightingale and Rego, they're having this awesome conversation with each other across time. They teach us how to feel and think through making.