This is the pictorial opening of Macdougall’s elaborate illustrated edition of Ruth, 1896. 7¼ x 14¼ inches. The format, which he used throughout his editions of the 90s, is a combination of illustrations and dense foliate borders along with embellished letters in the manner of an illuminated manuscript. Though modelled on Morris’s imprints, the artist uses Art Nouveau motifs, notably the flat interlace that frames the other visual material; the contrast of absolute black and white is a striking device, which Macdougall borrowed from the art of Aubrey Beardsley.
Scanned image and text by Simon Cooke. You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link to this URL in a web document or cite it in a print one. [Click on the image to enlarge it.]
Bibliography
Ruth. With an introduction by Ernest Rhys. London: Dent, 1896.
Created 14 September 2024