Illustration for a poem by Keats

Robert Anning Bell, RI AWRS 1872-1919

Photographic Reproduction of pen and ink drawing

1897

Source: The Studio

“To satisfactorily illustrate a book of poems, it is of absolute importance that the mind of the artist should be attuned to that of the poet. A complete accord in this respect is so rare as to make us feel that pictured editions of poems are, as a rule, not the most desirable ones to possess. The extreme susceptibility to beauty in its manifold phases, the delicate imagery, the glow of romanticism so characteristic of the mind of Keats, renders him one of the most difficult of authors to illustrate. It is, therefore, no mean praise to say that the edition now before us, that it is in every respect satisfactory from cover to cover. We sincerely congratulate Mr. Anning Bell upon the success of his delightful illustrations.” — The Studio

Image Scan and text by George P. Landow

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